MERALCO and Blackwater did not get off to the good start they wanted in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup.
On Saturday, the Bolts and Elite get the chance to get on the win-column when they collide in a Petron Blaze Saturday match-up at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
First, both teams have to fine-tune their respective game.
Meralco failed to execute properly in the extension, especially on defense, enabling Phoenix to escape with a 93-92 squeaker last Wednesday.
Worse off was Blackwater, which got clobbered by NorthPort, 117-91, earlier that same day.
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According to coach Bong Ramos, it's a matter of how his team adjusts in the face of an expected fiery start by their opponent.
"Pareho kaming talo ng Meralco, pero ang kaibahan lang kami bugbog," said Ramos, adding his players must learn not to give up even when trailing.
"Okay naman start namin. Ang problema, bumigay na nu'ng third and fourth," noted Ramos.
"Sa fourth doon na talaga kami bumigay. Siguro part na dahilan nu'n, chemistry ng team, iyung kulang kami sa laro. Bago lang, e, lima pumasok. Tapos lumiit pa kami. Nu'ng nabubugbog bumigay, e. Wala pa kaming character."
Indeed, Blackwater did get lost in the wake of a sustained charge by NorthPort, a drastic departure from the way it overhauled an early 10-point deficit and led by as many as 12 points twice early in the second period.
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"Fight to get back," was how Ramos bared his team's battlecry, not only for the Meralco game but for the rest of their assignments.
"Iyon ang problema nu'ng nakaraang game. Kaya depensa namin biglang nagbago, di tumuloy. Tapos inatake kami sa loob. Nawala extra effort, hustle."
Ramos is now hoping the adjustments his Elite talked about and practiced would be followed and sustained. "Pinag-usapan namin kung paano mag-a-adjust," he said.
"Hopefully, tomorrow maka-execute kami." (NC)
