Bolts brace for Beermen’s comeback
Game Today
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
7:30 p.m. — Meralco vs San Miguel (Finals Game 2)
*Meralco leads series, 1-0
BY TAKING Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals, Meralco has earned the distinction of being the only team powerhouse San Miguel Beer (SMB) hasn’t defeated all conference.
But no way are the Bolts allowing themselves to be intoxicated by such success. “This team is a championship team, a dynasty team. They’re capable of doing amazing things. You were all there for the ‘Beeracle’ so you know you cannot count this team out,” said Meralco ace Chris Newsome, referring to SMB’s celebrated fightback from 0-3 against Alaska in capturing the 2016 All-Filipino title.
“They’re very smart all the way through and they’re proven winners so you can never count out the heart of a champion. And for us, it’s just about staying humble and staying focused because we know what we’re trying to accomplish,” he added.
Such a mindset is crucial as the Bolts seek a 2-0 lead in the race-to-four tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. They go into the 7:30 p.m. second match looking to sustain the momentum from their 96-83 Game 1 stunner Wednesday as well as their earlier 95-92 reversal that ended SMB’s sweep bid in the elims last month.
“We need to prepare and the more we zone in and lock in on the things we need to do, the better chance we have of beating this team,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo.
, expecting Newsome, Chris Banchero, Allein Maliksi, Bong Quinto and the team’s contain-June Mar Fajardo-crew Raymond Almazan, Cliff Hodge, Brandon Bates and Kyle Pascual to stay on full power.
As bad as falling to Meralco a second time and losing for only the third time this conference was, the Beermen are quick to move on.
“Tapos na iyung Game 1. Focus kami sa Game 2. Mahaba-habang series pa ito, makakapag-prepare pa kami sa mga susunod,” said SMB star CJ Perez, who dealt with foul trouble in the opener.
Mr. Fajardo rued San Miguel’s 19 turnovers, which Meralco converted to 18 easy points, and ineffective rebounding that enabled Mr. Hodge to grab nine of his 15 rebounds off the offensive board. The Kraken also gave due credit to the Bolts’ suffocating defense, which led to their conference-low 35 points in the second half.
“Bounce back na lang, long series,” said Mr. Fajardo.
“Hindi iyon ang San Miguel basketball,” noted Mr. Perez. “Meron lang kaming 18 assists so kailangan namin i-adjust ang laro namin, i-distribute nang maayos ang bola.”
According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, Wednesday’s W marked only the third time in eight best-of-seven duels that Meralco drew first blood. But in the two previous occasions — 2016 and 2021 Governors’ Cup finals against Ginebra — the Bolts dropped Game 2.
Mr. Newsome and Co. are now out to change this and add more pressure on fancied SMB. — Olmin Leyba