BOLTS BRACE FOR BARAKO
THANKS mainly to a hardworking import, Meralco got off to a strong start in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Bolts now gun for a fitting followup when they tackle Barako Bull Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A win, coming on the heels of an 89-83 conquest of Petron Blaze last Friday, gives Meralco a share of the early lead and coach Ryan Gregorio said his Bolts’ gameplan will again be centered around Mario West.
“West is expected to anchor our defensive intensity. The same toughness on defense that he displayed against Petron,” said Gregorio of his balik-import, who came through with 23 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block versus the Boosters.
The performance, which made up for the absence of the injured Macmac Cardona and Jared Dillinger, is made more noteworthy by the fact West flew in just on the eve of the match after original import DJ Kennedy proved to be above the 6-5 height limit.
Barako, however, should prove to be a tough nut despite its 113-118 overtime loss to Talk N Text also last Friday.
In that game, the Energy led for most of regulation, only to falter in the stretches that mattered most.
Gnawing at Gregorio most is the fact Barako import Mike Singletary notched 41 points and 21 rebounds despite being hobbled by cramps in that game’s late stages.
“Limit Singletary, that is the plan,” said Gregorio. “He had a very strong performance and almost lifted his team to victory. Were it not for cramps the outcome would have been different.”
Led by the likes of Mark Macapagal, Mick Pennisi, JC Intal and Singletary the Energy also boomed in 19 of 48 three-point attempts, an astonishing statistic that is also a potential cause of concern for Gregorio.
“Defending the three-point line will be a huge challenge for us. If they knock in their shots on a consistent basis they will be hard to beat,” said Gregorio.
Reynel Hugnatan, Chris Ross and Sunday Salvacion also led those who provided chief support for West, but it is the latter’s heads-up plays on both ends of the court is the main thing that helps alleviate the Meralco worries.
“West is expected to anchor our defensive intensity. The same toughness on defense that he displayed against Petron,” stated Gregorio.
“Another game, another challenge. With a very short conference format we can not blink. Expect another playoff intensity performance from the Bolts.” (NC)
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