Chris Newsome of Meralco Bolts during a match against San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Candon Metropolis. –PBA IMAGES
Meralco, in one fell swoop on Saturday night, toppled a traditional powerhouse, extended its winning streak and moved closer to achieving a playoff bonus in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
However, coach Luigi Trillo chose to maintain his tunnel vision, and for a very good reason.
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“All we did was get to the quarterfinals,” the champion coach told the Inquirer the morning after the Bolts’ 100-93 win over San Miguel at the Candon Metropolis Area in Ilocos Sur. “I don’t think we’ve cemented our place in the top six. (yet).”
With a 7-3 record, the Bolts have risen to No. 2 in the standings, tied with Converge, visiting Hong Kong and NorthPort. And Rain or Shine is also within sniffing distance of joining that jam as they pursue the TNT leader.
To protect Meralco from any complications, Trillo has also set his sights on sweeping his last two games. But the Bolts mentor has seen enough battles to know it’s a task easier said than done.
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Especially against the team, his team will play on January 29.
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“Difficult games are coming up. Ginebra and Magnolia (our final games) We are also fighting for places in the quarterfinals,” he stated.
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Fortunately, Meralco seems more prepared than ever to face such a challenge. The Bolts are finally coming together at full strength, and Chris Banchero has proven to be their biggest chance since returning to the fold.
coach player
“CB is great to coach. People don’t see him, but he is one of our leaders on the court,” Trillo said of his pupil, who scored 19 points and delivered the final blow against the Beermen. “He listens and has been the most consistent guy. (since) our championship conference.”
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Aside from Banchero picking up where he left off, Trillo is also optimistic about the cohesion his team has been able to build while playing in both the PBA and the East Asian Super League.
Meralco is 2-2 in the regional showcase and is still in the race for a spot in the crossover semifinals with two more games left on its schedule.
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“We have our hands full with the PBA and the EASL. But we intend to do well in both,” said Trillo. “We know we can also compete with the best in Asia. Our staff believes in our guys. And I feel like they believe in each other too.” INQ
