After close win, Bolts brace for tougher grind ahead

Meralco imported KJ McDaniels. – PBA PICTURES

Meralco tab a key victory on Saturday night that coach Norman Black believes will prime the charge for the torturous week ahead.

“We really thought this was an important game for us,” he said on the heels of the 86-84 squeaker over the pesky Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

“We still play Ginebra on Wednesday, we have Converge on Friday and Phoenix on Sunday … so all three will be very difficult for us,” he continued.

Counting the match against the Hotshots, Meralco played four matches in eight days. And with a 5-3 (win-loss) mark that’s only good for sixth place in the Governor’s Cup, and a playoff spot up for grabs, the Bolts have reason to do well.

Fortunately, he started well.

“We struggled and I think everybody will admit that. But we just grinded it out, we stuck together, nobody blamed anybody for not playing well or not well, and we stuck it out and got the win in the end,” said Black.

Keys to Bolts

Import KJ McDaniels remained for Meralco in the contest, while four others were commended, including Bong Quinto—who could be key for the Bolts in the next three games.

“The guy came from a very good conference. He averaged over 13 and a half points last game [Commissioner’s Cup] and he played really well for us,” Black said.

“I’ve only started him in the last few games and he’s made a difference with his play. He’s a big part of our team. He’s a big part of our rotation and I expect him to step up so we can be successful,” he said.

Magnolia saw its four-game winning streak last night. But interestingly, the Hotshots look at the rest of the game the same way as the conquerors.

“Just a few mental mistakes at the end of the game that we made clearly, I think, we will fix it going forward before the playoffs,” said import Antonio Hester after the team dropped to a 4-4 card for seventh place.

“We did well, we couldn’t keep our heads down, coach (Chito Victolero) said we had until 12 o’clock,” Hester said. INQ

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