BOLTS STAKE STREAK VS. MIXERS
MERALCO was recently able to stretch its streak due to its offense.
That and much more will be needed by the Bolts when they tangle with San Mig Coffee Friday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
A victory by Meralco would extend its winning run to four and solidify its hold on fourth-running spot, but must notch it over a Mixers crew aiming to at least get back on track.
Coach Ryan Gregorio said his charges must be able to make stops to give themselves a chance against a Mixers squad boasting of gunners in James Yap and PJ Simon and post players Joe Devance and import Denzel Bowles.
“Defending their perimeter players as well as their import is a must. James and PJ must be stifled while Bowles’ shots must be contested,” said Gregorio.
“Easier said than done, but that is the only way we can compete against them. We cannot challenge them into a shootout. They simply have far more offensive weapons compared to us so our defense must be solid on all fronts.”
There’s an additional motivation for San Mig, however.
The defending champions are coming off an 88-96 loss to Barangay Ginebra last Sunday, cutting short their own surge at three games.
That should make the Mixers a tougher nut to crack than they already are, according to Gregorio. “Playing San Mig is always a huge challenge. They are packed in every position,” he noted.
“They are slowly getting into the groove after a lackluster start and they are more dangerous coming off a loss.”
It’s not that Meralco has a dearth in the offensive department.
In a 112-104 triumph over Barako Bull last Wednesday, Eric Dawson, Chris Ross, Reynel Hugnatan and Macmac Cardona scored at least 12 points each while Ronjay Buenafe came off the bench to score 19 points in the fourth quarter and turn the tight contest into a cruising win.
It marked the third straight game a different local has stepped up for the Bolts and Gregorio is hopeful they continue doing so while the rest follow suit.
“Nice to see different players step up in crucial junctures of the game for us. Our unpredictability on offense makes us a little harder to guard,” he said.
“Buenafe’s explosion proved to be lethal and I expect the other players to step on the plate confidently when their number is called. We are determined to compete and find ways to win.” (NC)
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