How to match up with Alex Stepheson was among those keenly considered as the Star Hotshots decided to bring back Ricardo Ratliffe.
Now comes the colossal matchup between the two huge imports as the Hotshots and the Meralco Bolts clash in a crucial setto in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
The Hotshots and the Bolts dispute solo leadership as they mix it up at 7 p.m. at the start of the final week of the one-round-robin eliminations.
Going to the match, the two teams are tightly bunched together with Barangay Ginebra (6-2), San Miguel Beer (6-2) and TNT KaTropa (7-3) in a spirited race for the Top Two that reward twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
“It will be a crucial game for both of us since both teams have chances for the Top Two. Mental toughness will be a key factor in this game,” said Star coach Chito Victolero.
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The Bolts dropped to a tie with the Hotshots after a shocking 86-94 loss to the GlobalPort Batang Pier in their last outing.
“I give them (GlobalPort) credit, they played hard, and they played well, and they rebounded the ball well which was something we didn’t do,” rued Meralco coach Norman Black. “We didn’t rebound the ball well, except for Alex (Stepheson), so I told the team we deserved to be beaten.”
The Hotshots and Ratliffe, meanwhile, marked their reunion with a 107-97 win over the Tropang Texters before the SEABA break.
Victolero anticipates a defensive battle with the Bolts.
“We expect a defensive game since both teams are in the top four on defense and points allowed as the stats indicate,” said Victolero.
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“We need to tighten our defense inside and limit the activity of their import especially in getting the offensive rebounds and second chance points. Perimeter defense is also very important to prevent their guards from penetrating and creating their shots,” Victolero added.
Ratliffe marked his PBA comeback with 37 points and 22 rebounds in their disposal of the Texters.
Stepheson, meanwhile, averages 22.3 points, 17.78 points, 1.56 blocks and 1.56 assists.
Local Meralco players averaging double-digit outputs are Baser Amer (15.89), Jared Dillinger (13.89) and Chris Newsome (12.56).
The Hotshots, on the other hand, have local guys to bank on in Allein Maliksi (13.29), Jio Jalalon (11.57) and Paul Lee (11.44).
