BLACKWATER has made the giant leap from being one of the perennial cellar-dwellers to an unbeaten leader.
Whether the Bossing can hold on to their spotless record and lofty perch would be known after its collision with the surging NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena.
Despite his team's fine start, Blackwater coach Jeffrey Cariaso knows exactly what his players must do to thwart NLEX's bid to improve to 4-1, and match the Dioceldo Sy-owned franchise's best start of 4-0 during the 2018 Governors Cup.
"So far, it's a good start (but) we're staying humble, we're staying focused 'cause we know how quick things can turn," said Cariaso. "So we'll just gonna continue working hard."
Cariaso also specifically pointed out their defense, which carried them to traditional powerhouses Meralco and TNT, as well as Converge last Wednesday, when the Bossing pulled away to as much as a 35-point spread before winning by a 90-78 count.
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"We put our premium and our focus on how we like to defend and we're not perfect," offered Cariaso. "There's a lot to improve on, especially... when we make subs. We want to maintain that same intensity and focus."
Going to a long break with something sweet to savor drives NLEX, according to coach Frankie Lim.
"Pinaplano naming maigi dahil after this Blackwater game we have a three-week break," said Lim, whose team doesn't see action again until April 6 against Magnolia.
"Mahirap mag-isip ng talo for three weeks," added Lim. "Maganda roon you have three weeks galing sa panalo."
Stifling Robert Bolick is sure to be Blackwater's chief priority.
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Bolick is coming off a career-and franchise-high 46-point explosion in a 115-93 romp over Converge last Saturday, jacking his average to a league-leading 32.5 ppg, on top of 5.75 rebounds and 6.3 assists.
While lauding his prized guard's exploits, Lim also said being too heavily dependent on Bolick has its own pitfalls if the other Road Warriors fail to rise to the occasion.
"Kailangan nilang mag-step up and contribute. At least for now, nagagawa ni (Rob) Herndon at saka ni (Jhan) Nermal, Enoch (Valdez)," added Lim. "Pero we need everybody on the same page dahil delikadong kalaban ang Blackwater ngayon." (NC)
