The Meralco Bolts will try to get out of that feeling of rustiness in their game when they focus on an important spot in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Bolts, coming off a six-day layoff, hold a 7-2 slate after their 104-97 win over the Blackwater Elite Bossings. They are going for a third consecutive triumph in their 3 p.m. clash against the NLEX Road Warriors.
“At this point of the season, that’s all that really matters. We try to get as many wins as possible,” said Bolts’ coach Norman Black.
The San Miguel Beerman (6-4) will meet the Alaska Aces (3-6) later at 6 p.m.
There are still two games left in the Bolts’ schedule, against the Road Warriors and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings.
Winning one game from its last two will have Meralco automatically clinching the no. 2 position spot behind eliminations topnotcher TNT.
And this will also give the incentive of having a win-once advantage in the next round.
So, winning this game is very important.
If the Bolts lose, they will have to get past the Gin Kings at the end of their eliminations sortie on Thursday.
Against the Road Warriors, the Bolts are expecting key players Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge, along with Aaron Black to be back.
The three have been indisposed in their last few games after observing the league’s health and safety protocols. Black is recovering from a hand injury.
The Road Warriors are tied with Batang NorthPort Pier at 5-5 and are seeking to stay within range in the seventh and eight places.
“Beating Meralco will give us the chance to make sixth place even if it is not totally under our control,” said Road Warriors coach Yeng Guiao.
