Meralco coach Norman Black says his team has no other option but to be at their best as they face reigning PBA Philippine Cup three-peat champ San Miguel Beer at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Wednesday night.
"They're a real tough test," said Black, convinced they won't stand a chance if they're to play the same game dished out in their season debut against Blackwater on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Bolts went on a rollercoaster ride and needed clutch baskets by new acquisition KG Canaleta at endgame to fend off the Elite, 103-98.
Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer, drawing the usual spark and firepower from its formidable core group, clobbered Phoenix Petroleum, 104-96, in the season opener.
June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross, easily the most fearsome starting unit in the league, played as lethal as they can be, brandishing the game that makes them highly fancied for a shot at another crown.
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Surely, Black has the right reason to be wary of the Beermen.
"Going up against San Miguel Beer is always a tough challenge because of their talent and size," said Black whose team also has to deal with injuries to key players.
But though undermanned and underdogs, the Bolts promise to come out fighting.
"Focus will be on trying to defend the paint versus June Mar while also doing a good job of closing out on their shooters. We will still be undermanned but we will be out there fighting to pick up a win," said Black.
Ranidel de Ocampo and Cliff Hodge are two core players nursing injuries.
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The Beermen, on the other hand, are in great shape, benefitting from a relatively long break after losing their semifinal showdown with the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the recent Governors Cup.
In the eyes of coach Leo Austria, the Beermen showed readiness to defend the Philippine Cup title in their conquest of the Fuel Masters during the season inaugurals.
"I was wary of Phoenix because they played well in the (preseason) pocket tournament. Pero pinakita ng mga players namin na ready sila to defend our crown," said Austria.
"With our intact lineup, we played like a well-oiled machine," Austria added.
The Beermen started the game with an 8-0 roll, roared to a 17-point spread in the third and quickly repelled a Phoenix rally midway through the fourth to spoil Louie Alas' debut as the Fuel Masters head coach.
