MERALCO strayed a bit from what got it far in its last PBA Governors' Cup outing and promptly paid the price.
Main reason why coach Norman Black wants his Bolts to regain their main weapon, which is making stops, when they take on an equally-determined Rain or Shine crew Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A win by Meralco in the 4 p.m. match would get it back on track following a shock 98-109 loss to NorthPort last Thursday, and boost its record to 5-1 to solidify its hold on second-running spot.
"Simply put, we have to learn from our mistakes against NorthPort, regroup and bounce back versus Rain or Shine," said Black on the eve of the match.
That could be easier said than done.
After losing a 74-80 decision to Alaska also last Thursday Rain or Shine sorely wants to improve to an even 4-4 slate and remain on track to bagging one of the quarterfinals slots allotted to the top eight teams following the 11-game eliminations.
A loss would keep the Elasto Painters, currently at ninth spot, out of the magic circle.
Black knows exactly what his team must do. "It's important that we play better defensively because I feel that is the key to our success this conference," he stated.
Indeed, the Batang Pier's output was the most given up by the Bolts who held their first four opponents to an average of 88 points.
Meralco's offense also sputtered in the face of NorthPort's own pressure as the Bolts only managed to score 32 points in the two middle quarters while the latter exploded for 63. As a result, the Batang Pier overcame an early 19-point deficit and even led by as many as 20 points twice.
Rain or Shine is also known for its stingy defense, but generating points became an even more major problem when Rey Nambatac, usually good for 18 markers, had to sit out the Alaska game due to a knee sprain.
It was actually the second straight game the former Letran star was sidelined but he is expected to see action Sunday, considering what's at stake for the E-Painters.
