TERRAFIRMA coach Johnedel Cardel is opting to stick to the silver linings amid his charges’ woes in the Third Conference where they wound up with a 2-9 slate.
“Buti na lang maaga pa dating ng mga kamalasan na ito at hind sa regular conference,” Cardel said. “Pero still, sinasabihan ko pa rin ang mga players na laro lang. Ipinapaalala ko lang na we’re mainly using this para makuha ang chemistry and at the same time ma-absorb nila ang sistema naming.”
Cardel spoke after the Dyip absorbed an 82-119 drubbing at the hands of Converge five days ago.
Terrafirma tries to right the ship when it takes on Blackwater today in the PBA on Tour at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The match is set at 5 p.m. before the FiberXers and Magnolia seek a second win in as many games in the nightcap at 7:30.
Gunner Juami Tiongson and big man Eric Camson were both coming off sick bay, Kevin Ferrer suffered a minor hand injury early and Isaac Go and Aldrech Ramos were both still out of game-shape when Terrafirma battled Converge.
“Noong first game talagang nangangapa pa. Ngayon naman, kung kailan paganda na ensayo, nandiyan pa rin malas. Kaya nga sabi ko sa natitirang players chance na nila to prove themselves,” Cardel said. “Maganda dito, makukuha nila ang kundisyon, laro nila habang tumatagal itong pocket tournament.”
Cardel is not one to tell the Dyip to put their feet off the pedal against the Bossing, who are also aching to rebound from an 83-117 rout inflicted by the Hotshots last Sunday.
“Iyang Blackwater maganda inilalaro, kumpleto,” he said. Kaya tingin ko malaking tulong sila para mapalapit sa ultimate goal namin, which is to improve as a team.”
Like the other teams, Converge is using the extended break to fine up its game, according to tactician Aldin Ayo.
“We’re still in the process of building up,” he said.