MERALCO is confident of ironing out chemistry issues just in time for its campaign in the season-ending PBA Governors Cup next month.
Just a week after a multiple-player trade with Air21, the Bolts played impressive ball in a 96-88 win over the Express in their tune-up match on Thursday at the Green Meadows gym in Libis, Quezon City.
Rookie forward Cliff Hodge led the Bolts with 25 points, while Reynel Hugnatan added 17.
Former Air21 players John Wilson and big man Noy Baclao, who joined Meralco in exchange for veteran big man Carlo Sharma and rookie Vic Manuel, also suited up for the Bolts.
The 6-foot-2 Wilson, seeing action in his third pro team in just three years, was quick to fit in as he scored 14 points for Meralco, while Baclao added five.
“We are slowly getting into basketball shape. I like our quickness and the way we move the ball. A little more polishing on our offensive sets and we will be alright,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.
While both teams played without imports, Gregorio felt the Bolts can only get better as they continue to work together considering Meralco has gone through numerous personnel changes several time this season.
Gregorio chose to keep mum on the team’s import prospect, although he remains hopeful the Bolts’ reinforcement would be someone who can score, defend, and rebound at the same time.
In last summer’s Commissioner’s Cup, the Bolts’ championship chase fell short after bowing to the San Mig Coffee Mixers during the quarterfinals despite parading the high-scoring Eric Dawson.
Gregorio has high hopes their personnel movement can help the Bolts' bid for a first-ever Finals appearance for the franchise since joining the pro league in 2010.
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