MERALCO guard Jared Dillinger said he couldn’t care less what people may say when he and Alaska rival Calvin Abueva cross paths again, 10 days after their controversial on-court scuffle.
Getting a win, he said, is all that matters.
“I assume everyone is going to make it a big deal tomorrow between me and Calvin,” said Dillinger on the eve of Meralco's sudden-death playoff with Alaska for the eighth and last berth in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
“I could care less what happens between me and Calvin as long as we get the win," the beared Fil-American guard added. "That’s all that matters.”
Dillinger churned out 10 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in Meralco’s 74-65 win over Alaska last week in a game marred by a skirmish between him and Abueva that resulted in fines totalling P23,000 for the two players.
The 6-foot-4 Dillinger also ended up with a bloodied nose during the commotion, and he expects the intensity to be no different when the two sides meet again - this time with much more on the line.
“Looks like playoff basketball came a day early for us. We had practice today (Sunday) and went over the plays of Alaska,” said the 29-year-old second overall pick of Talk ‘N Text in the 2008 rookie draft.
“We are ready for a war tomorrow. I assume it will be a physical game. I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
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