BOWLES SEES “CHAMPIONSHIP-LIKE SERIES”
Denzel Bowles had to wait for two years, but vengeance couldn’t have been any sweeter.
“They hurt my feelings last time,” he said, looking back to the then-San Mig Coffee’s semifinal exit at the hands of the Aces in 2013. “We won the first game and they beat us three straight, so to eliminate them in the first round, it feels good.”
Bowles got himself going early and anchored Purefoods Star to an 96-89 victory over Alaska on Sunday as the Hotshots advanced to the semifinals of the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“We just want to come out and do what we do. We just try to play what we play and it’s very successful for us,” said Bowles, who had 32 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in the victory.
With Alaska out of the way, Purefoods will now test its mettle against streaking Talk ‘N Text, bannered by its high scoring import Ivan Johnson.
Bowles is unfazed though.
“It’s always gonna be a great matchup. (Ivan) is a great player and a great scorer,” he said. “It’s gonna be a fun match and we’ll see who will outbattle who. I’m sure they want to beat us because of our last game so I’m sure it will be a championship-like series.”
In their only meeting so far this conference, Purefoods outlasted Talk ‘N Text, 118-117 in a triple overtime classic in Davao City.
This duel will also be a throwback from 2012, when the then-B-Meg Llamados won their first title under coach Tim Cone over Talk ‘N Text, 4-3.
Bowles said that all they have to do in the semifinals is to stay true to their identity.
“We just have to play defense, control the boards, and stay with the shooters. I think we’ll have a great chance,” he said. “Even the last series we played against them, it was a fun matchup. We made a rivalry since the championship series, so it’s gonna be fun for the fans.” (RL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
