Bolts keen on keeping second spot, Dyip determined to bounce back
MANILA---The Meralco the Bolts are keen on staying at second-running spot by bagging a second straight win and secure inclusion among the top four rewarded with a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round in the PBA Governors' Cup.
Currently at 5-1, the Bolts consider every game very important as the elimination round nears its end, said coach Norman Black in the PBA website.
"We are getting closer to the end of the elimination round so all games are now very important," said Black.
The Bolts will take on a determined Terrafirma Dyip, which is resuscitating its flagging bid at 25 and humble goal of simply staying in the hunt for one of the eight quarterfinals slots on the Thursday showdown at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
And Black knows
Terrafirma will be extraaggressive and has prepared his team accordi ngl y.
"Terrafirma plays at a fast pace so our transition defense will be important. Defending (Terrafirma import Antonio) Hester will also be a key."
For Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel, it's now a "no, no" to lose: "Crucial na bawa't laro namin, bawal ng m at al o."
First, Terrafirma must put to good use the things they learned from a 97-102 loss to Alaska last Saturday, when the Dyip completely blew a 20-point lead late in the third quarter.
"Masakit, pero dapat tanggapin," said Cardel, whose Terrafirma side winds up the 11-game eliminations against Barangay Ginebra, NorthPort and TNT in that order.
"Learn the lessons and next four games i-apply, lalo na 'yung kapag nagkar oon ng pagkakataon na p'wedeng manalo, hindi na papabayaan," added Cardel.
"Sana mabigyan ulit ng tsansa tomorrow against Meralco, na makadikit kami throughout the game and magkaroon ng opening sa dulo." The Dyip's defense must also hold up since the Bolts are sure to be bannered by the tournament's leading scorer in Tony Bishop (31 ppg), as well as the likes of Allein Maliksi, Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero and Raymond Almazan. (JTD with NC/ PBA)