Bolts, Elite clash
Two nights after a punishing double-overtime grind versus Globalport, the Meralco Bolts hope to have recovered energy as they brace for another tough fight versus a back-to-the-wall Blackwater side in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
The Bolts seek to bounce back from their 123-126 loss to the Batang Pier to stay right behind the frontrunners going into the crucial stretch of the elims phase of the season-ending tourney.
The Elite, meanwhile, are coming out in the 7 p.m. match looking for a win that could spark a rally for the team from their precarious spot at 1-4.
Coach Leo Isaac hopes their acquisition of veteran guard Denok Miranda could help them survive all the troubles they’re facing, including the sidelining of ace center JP Erram due to a suspected ACL tear.
Coming on board with Miranda is Juami Tiongson as they take the spots of Erram and Almond Vosotros.
Blackwater is tied with Alaska Milk, Globalport and Star at 1-4, a full game behind joint seventh placers NLEX (2-3) and Phoenix (2-3). All teams are chasing spots in the Top Eight, the magic circle for the playoff round.
A big concern for Blackwater against Meralco is how to contain Allen Durham coming off a 55-point performance.
Eric Dawson has also been pretty solid but his status is uncertain with a back spasm sustained in their game against TNT KaTropa the last time out.
The Elite played three solid quarters versus the Texters but wavered in the final canto on the exit of Dawson and Erram on injuries and ended up with an 89-109 blowout loss.
Dawson sat out the last eight minutes of the game while Erram was carried to their dugout on a stretcher just at the start of the second quarter. Minus the two, the Elite were pummeled, 33-11, in the last nine minutes of the contest.
“Blackwater losing Erram was a big factor because he’s a middleman and a shot blocker. Then they also lost Dawson. It’s an unfortunate incident,” said TNT coach Jong Uichico.
The Bolts also suffered a tough loss the last time out, but coach Norman Black wants it behind them.
“Normally, coaches and players have short memories about games. It’s back to the drawing board in practice,” Black said.
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