SEEDINGS-WISE, Meralco may be higher than TNT entering their PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series, but the Bolts are definitely wary about a Tropang 5G side rounding into form.
Both squads needed a knockout game to advance to the semis, with Meralco surviving Magnolia in overtime last Saturday. TNT, for its part, did it from way back as the eighth-seed in upsetting No. 1 NLEX not once, but twice.
“I look at them as the favorites from the last four teams in the semis because of their recent track record, depth of talent, and experience they have,” said Bolts coach Luigi Trillo.
Meralco overcame the Tropang 5G, 110-106, in their April 7 contest where the Bolts forced Bol Bol to a conference-low 28 points. Trillo, though, cautioned that the playoffs are a different animal.
“They are a different team then. They had injuries and Bol was sick, according to reports. TNT may be ranked eighth, but they are a top two team on paper. They may not have done well in the elims, but again, they are here in the semifinals which is a testament to how experienced and talented they are,” he said.
“It’s not only Bol Bol. They just ended up second-place the last two all-Filipino conferences and they beat us 4-1 in the semis last conference. Plus you add Bol Bol. Plus their experienced staff,” he added.
Meralco against TNT
Asked what Meralco needs to do to have a chance and even triumph in the series, Trillo answered: "We have to be better all-around."
“We believe in our guys. We also have experience. We have talent and we are just as capable. We also deserve to be in the finals, but we have to earn it.”
TNT coach Chot Reyes stated that the Bolts' elims victory vs. them in the elims is a sign that, indeed, Meralco has what it takes to progress.
“That’s a complete team. They are playing at a high level. They have some offensive weapons. It is incumbent upon us to defend and rebound,” he said.
“They are very well-coached. We all know the quality of the coaching staff. We have our work cut out for us,” he added.
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.
