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Published on November 22, 2011

Meralco has not won more than two games in a row in the PBA Philippine Cup. 

But it has kept itself in the upper half of the team standings by being one of only two remaining teams that has not lost back-to-back games in the conference. 

Coming off a week’s rest since a 98-96 win over Powerade a week ago, the Bolts take on dangerous Barako Bull Wednesday, aiming to win consecutive games for already the third time in the conference. 

Meralco takes on the Energy in the 7:30 p.m. second game, looking to improve on its 6-4 record, which is good for a tie for fourth place in the standings with B-Meg, behind idle frontrunners Talk ‘N Text (8-1) – the only other team which has not lost back-to-back games, Petron Blaze (6-4) and Rain or Shine (6-4).

Barako Bull is coming off its first consecutive losses in the conferences, losing to the Elasto Painters 93-81 last Nov. 11 and to the Boosters 75-66 last Friday. 

The Energy, who have actually lost three of their last four games after a four-game win streak, have dropped to a 5-4 slate. 

But Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio has been in the league far too long and has learned not be complacent even against a team that has been losing of late. 

“Barako Bull is packed with big name players who can still play big games. We are conscious of that fact,” said Gregorio, referring to Barako Bull’s roster that includes two-time MVP Willie Miller, two-time Best Player of the Conference winner Danny Seigle and proven veterans Dorian Pena, Mick Pennisi, Wynne Arboleda, Sunday Salvacion, Don Allado, and Paul Artadi,. 

New recruit Jimbo Aquino will also be tested for the first time with his new team after being acquired by the Energy in that three-team trade with Barangay Ginebra and B-Meg which also involved Rico Maierhofer, rookie Allein Maliksi and Yancy de Ocampo. 

“We want to stay close, defend the transition and guard their key players especially Miller, Pennisi, Seigle and Pena. If we limit their options, then we have a good chance of winning,” added Gregorio. 

Meralco will be bannered anew by Mark Cardona, Sol Mercado, Gabby Espinas, Asi Taulava and back-to-back three-point shootout champion Mark Macapagal. (FM)


Source: http://www.pba.ph/news/entry/1260



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