MERALCO is exactly right where it wants to be at this point and it doesn’t plan on slowing down.
The Bolts are looking to move a step closer towards their first championship as they aim for a 3-1 lead over Barangay Ginebra in their best-of-seven finals series in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
Game 4 is scheduled at 8:10 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with Meralco looking to move a game closer to the title, and Ginebra again aiming to equalize things.
Prior to this, the season’s top players will be feted in the annual Leo Awards to be held at 7 p.m.
Meralco coach Norman Black knows that his team is inching closer to its ultimate goal and he hopes the Bolts can sustain their fine play at this juncture.
“We’re getting closer to where we want to be,” said Black. “We really want to take this series and we have to continue what we’ve started.”
The Bolts got their rhythm and game going in Game 3 to take it, 107-103, last Wednesday night after a fine display down the stretch.
Rookie sensation Chris Newsome and reliable veterans Reynel Hugnatan and Jimmy Alapag provided ample support to Allen Durham to help lift Meralco to victory.
With this golden opportunity at hand, Black wants his wards to seize the moment and keep their focus.
“In the middle of the battle, what you want to continue doing is keep on fighting and focus on play by play,” he said.
Ginebra is once again facing a must-win situation to avoid falling into a huge hole.
Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer superstar June Mar Fajardo is expected to be named as the Most Valuable Player of the season for the third consecutive time.
For the Rookie of the Year, Newsome is the one expected to take the plum after helping transform Meralco into a title contender this season with his consistent and stellar play.
Other awards that will be handed out are the Most Improved Player, Mythical First and Second Teams, All Defensive Team and the Sportsmanship citation.