NORMAN Black didn't lose time acknowledging the contribution of a battle-scarred warrior as Meraclo defied the odds and advance to the semifinals of the PBA Governors Cup.
The veteran coach took exception on the work done by big guard Jared Dillinger in trying to contain Phoenix star Calvin Abueva on Friday night despite having just returned from a long layoff due to injuries.
Dillinger, reactivated for the playoffs after missing the entire eliminations phase due to a tear on his quad and bone spurs on his foot, held Abueva to just 10 points as the Bolts repeated over second-seed Phoenix Fuel Masters, 108-103, in overtime to set-up a semifinals series against the Alaska Aces.
The 34-year-old Fil-Am only had two points and two rebounds in 21 minutes of play, but Black said his impact in the huge win goes beyond the numbers.
"I got to give a little bit of credit to JD. He has not played in a long time and he was pretty much thrust into a situation where he would have to play against a very talented player in Calvin Abueva," said Black.
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Dillinger fouled out with 3:10 left in the extra period and Meralco leading, 102-94.
Abueva then made the most of Dillinger's absence by scoring five of the Fuel Masters' last six points in a losing effort.
Until Dillinger made it to the showers, Abueva was only held to just five points after averaging 15.4 and 9.2 rebounds in the eliminations to rank no. 5 in the Best Player of the Conference award.
Dillinger was given the daunting task of putting the cuffs on Abueva following the injury to power forward Cliff Hodge.
Despite playing not yet 100 percent healthy, Black said Dillinger's effort was more than enough to give Meralco a lift to its third straight semifinals stint in the season-ending conference.
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"I think even if statistically he (JD) didn't show up on the scoreboard, what he accomplished today, just his presence and willingness to go out there and battle really helped lift the morale of the team," said the Meralco mentor. (RG)
