GLOBALPORT tries to put behind its heartbreaking setback against Air21 and move on as it faces unpredictable Barako Bull on Sunday in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Since registering a franchise-best three straight wins, the Batang Pier’s campaign had taken a sudden turn as they lost two tough games against San Mig Super Coffee and Air21.
They lost to the Mixers, 80-83, while wasting an 18-point second quarter lead in a 103-109 setback against the Express on Christmas Day.
The twin losses dropped them to a 4-5 (win-loss) record going to their 3 p.m. tussle with the Energy (3-7).
“I don’t want to comment on that (loss to Air21) anymore,” said coach Richie Ticzon. “We just need to play good team defense against Barako especially on their three-point shooters.”
Sol Mercado, who scored 35 points in the loss to San Mig, is expected to lead Globalport’s charge once more together with Jay Washington, who is averaging 19.3 points and 10.8 rebounds.
Ticzon has been emphasizing team basketball since he assumed the coaching post of the Batang Pier one week before the start of the season.
He said sharing the ball will still be the key in beating a Barako Bull squad, which remains a dangerous unit owing to the presence of several battle-scarred veterans.
“We need to move the ball better so we can look for open shots,” Ticzon added.
Barako Bull, which averages nine three-point shots made this conference, was held to a conference-low five three-pointers in the team’s 95-99 loss to Rain or Shine on Friday.
The Energy have lost seven of their last eight games since opening the season with back-to-back wins against Air21 and Alaska.
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