A DREAM start to its drive in the season-ending tourney is not enough to lull Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso into the traps of complacency.
“So far, it’s a good start (but) we’re staying humble, we’re staying focused because we know how quick things can turn,” Cariaso said. “So. we’ll just gonna continue working hard.
“We put our premium and our focus on how we like to defend and we’re not perfect.
There’s a lot to improve on, especially… when we make subs. We want to maintain that same intensity and focus,” he added.
The Bossing’s resolve will be tested anew when they take on the NLEX Road Warriors today in the PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The match is set at 4:30 p.m., with Blackwater seeking its fourth straight win and boost its hold on the solo lead.
Terrafirma tries to recover from its first loss when it faces Phoenix in the nightcap at 7:30.
The Bossing will go into the duel armed with a 90-78 win over the Converge FiberXers seven days back that hiked their mark to 3-0.
Ditto with the Road Warriors, who drubbed the FiberXers 115-93 behind the 46-point game of Robert Bolick.
The likes of Rey Nambatac, Christian David, Rey Suerte, and Troy Rosario will be counted upon anew by Blackwater.
NLEX tactician Frankie Lim wants his wards to gain the much-needed triumph before they go on a three-week respite.
“Plina-plano naming maigi dahil after this Blackwater game we have a three-week break,” Lim, whose team will resume its campaign on April 6 after the pro league All-Star festivities and Holy Week.
“Mahirap mag-isip ng talo for three weeks. Ang maganda roon you have three weeks galing sa panalo.
“Kailangan nilang mag-step up and contribute. At least for now, nagagawa ni (Rob) Herndon atsaka ni (Jhan) Nermal, Enoch (Valdez),” Lim said. “But we need everybody on the same page dahil delikadong kalaban ang Blackwater ngayon.”