MERALCO is out to realize a lofty goal against a suddenly struggling Magnolia side.
The Bolts seek to clinch a finals slot when they square off with the Hotshots today in Game 4 of their best-of-five semifinals duel in the PBA Governors Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The match is set at 6 p.m. after defending champion Ginebra tries to send NLEX packing in the curtain-raiser at 3 o’clock in Game 4 of their semis battle.
A knockout tiff, or tiffs, will be played on Friday also at the Big Dome.
Meralco coach Norman Black is convinced his charges’ 101-95 victory in Game 3 last Sunday gave them a big boost in their bid to reach the Big Dance for the first time since the same season-ending tourney in 2019.
“This is like a turning point for both teams, at this point,” Black said.
“We just thought this was a very pivotal game for us in this series, and if we could win the game, it gives us a much better chance of making it to the championship,” he added.
But Black remained wary of bloodied but unbowed Magnolia, which won the series opener, but has lost back-to-back games, and gunner Paul Lee, who is firing blanks in the semis.
“I don’t want to say anything about Paul Lee, ‘cause he can explode at any time. We know he’s one of the deadliest players in the league,” Black said. “So, the last thing we want to do is give him any type of newspaper clipping to feed off of, so we’ll just see him on Wednesday (today).”
The usually fiery Lee is averaging just 9.3 points, including a measly five markers the last time out, in the series.
Lee was good for 15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in the elimination round and wound up with 25 points in the Hotshots’ quarterfinals triumph over Phoenix Super LPG.
Foremost among those expected to lead the way for Meralco is import Tony Bishop, along with Chris Banchero, Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, Allein Maliksi, Cliff Hodge, and Raymond Almazan.
Aside from Lee, Magnolia will pin its hopes on Mike Harris, Ian Sangalang, Jio Jalalon, Mark Barroca, and Calvin Abueva.
The Road Warriors finally got one over the Kings, but the skin of their teeth.
“Lamang pa rin naman sila. Next game, of course, they win the next game, they’re in the finals. But we will try to prolong the series,” coach Yeng Guiao said after NLEX pulled off a nail-biting 86-85 triumph in Game 3 last Sunday night that cut Ginebra’s lead to 1-2.
“Sa amin kasi, the longer the series, I think the better for us. Their key players are playing heavy minutes, maga-average iyan ng 40 minutes a game. So, kami, mas malalim rotation namin, so we can last a longer series.”
The Road Warriors will bank on reinforcement Cameron Clark, Kevin Alas, Justin Chua, Raoul Soyud, Philip Paniamogan, and Don Trollano.
After a heartrending loss and with big man Japeth Aguilar doubtful due to a Grade 2 left calf injury, Justin Brownlee, LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson, and Christian Standhardinger will be counted upon by the Kings.
