Black hopes to get more from starters as Meralco tries to force deciding 7th game

NORMAN Black hopes to get more from his start ing unit if Meralco would extend the PBA Governors Cup Finals to a deciding Game 7.

The champion coach noted how none among his key starters contributed on offense in Sunday's Game Five that cost the Bolts an 85-74 loss against defending champion Barangay Ginebra and on the verge of losing the title series, which they trailed, 2-3.

Baser Amer, Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, and Jared Dillinger combined for just 21 points as none of them submitted double figures, leaving the scoring chores heavily on the broad shoulders of two-time Best Import Allen Durham, who finished with a game-high 27 points.

Back-up guard Garvo Lanete, ironically, was the only local to finish in double figures for Meralco with 11.

"I wish we could get a lot more out of our starters," Black said. "I hope we get better contributions from Baser and Chris Newsome."

Black admitted Amer is having a hard time with his match-up against veteran Ginebra guard LA Tenorio, while Newsome being in foul trouble early in Game Five hurt the Bolts's chances.

"Baser is struggling with LA. He's struggling the entire series," said the 59-year-old mentor. "Newsome was in foul trouble right from the beginning of Game Five, which hurt us a lot. He's a key player for us this year."

Good thing, the Bolts got some key contributions from their bench led by Lanete, the ever reliable Rey Hugnatan, and guard Anjo Caram.

"It really helps us for the likes of Anjo to come out of the bench and contribute. Hope they can do it again on Wednesday," said Black.

Still, there's nothing to it than having your starters being in the groove of things.

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