MERALCO gets an immediate test in the resumption of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup as it clashes with Magnolia Pambansang Manok on Wednesday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Bolts, with a 4-1 win-loss slate, are eyeing their third straight win as they battle the unbeaten Hotshots at 6 p.m.
Meralco coach Norman Black said the team is bracing for a challenging match-up against a Magnolia team that started the conference with a 4-0 record before play was suspended when Metro Manila was again put under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) last month.
“The preparation has gone well and we are healthy as a team,” said Black. “Our first game is versus the first-place team so it should be tough.”
The Bolts won their second consecutive win on July 31 when they defeated Alaska, 89-80.
Acknowledging that his team could be sluggish in their first game in a month, Black hopes that their defense will be enough to pull them through.
“We have been off for a while so I'm expecting a defensive battle vs Magnolia. The team that can execute better offensively will probably have the advantage,” said Black.
Calvin Abueva
Head coach Chito Victolero isn’t too worried about the long break.
“Pare-pareho naman kami. Wala namang may advantage… Pagbalik, let’s work hard and get that momentum again. Everybody naman, may goal din ‘yan na makakuha ng W,” said Victolero.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
