MERALCO coach Ryan Gregorio is hopeful his team learned valuable lessons in the two straight losses it suffered in the PBA Philippine Cup, including the last one against Rain or Shine.
No matter how painful it was.
“We’re still trying to find ways how to win games. But this is indeed painful,” admitted Gregorio to Spin.ph as he tried to search for words to describe the Bolts’ 98-102 overtime loss to the Elasto Painters Wednesday night.
The Bolts took a 26-point lead midway in the third period, but were caught by surprise when the rugged and more determined Elasto Painters staged a magnificent comeback, dragging their opponents into overtime, and eventually winning the game in a huge upset.
Now the Bolts have to put behind the sad experience right away as they are bound to return to the court Friday against Globalport at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
“Tomorrow is another day. We’re still in the middle of the pack. The world was not made for our convenience. Kailangan lang makahanap ng paraan para maka-close out ng mabuti,” added the Meralco coach, whose team currently carries an even 5-5 record in a tie with idle Barangay Ginebra.
Aside from that heartbreaking loss to Rain or Shine, avenging their 105-104 loss against the Batang Pier should be another possible motivation for the Bolts going to their 5:15 encounter.
The win was the first and only one for Globalport this conference as the newcomer team sports a 1-9 record.
But the Batang Pier are eyeing to play their last four games in the eliminations with a bang, and even dedicated all of it in honor of interim coach Glen Capacio.
“Ako willing naman akong gawin `yung ganung sitwasyon na mag sacrifice ako para lang manalo,” said Globaport star Gary David, who, despite hobbled by an injured knee, managed to average 15.75 points and 2.75 rebounds in four outings with the team.
Globalport is coming off its worst defeat in PBA franchise history, a 110-81 shellacking at the hands of rampaging Petron Boosters last Sunday.
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