TERRAFIRMA intends to apply the lessons it learned from a recent bitter loss when it battles Meralco today in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Dyip should, for the Bolts are spurred by their own goal in the game deemed as crucial for both protagonists.
“We are getting closer to the end of the elimination round so all games are now very important,” said coach Norman Black, whose Meralco crew totes a 5-1 card and is hoping to at least stay in second spot.
That also holds true in the nightcap where leader Magnolia stakes its unbeaten record against resuscitated NorthPort.
The Hotshots are eyeing a seventh win that would clinch them a quarterfinals slot and move them closer to a top four spot that is rewarded with a win-once advantage in the next round.
“Iyun talaga target namin, makuha muna top four,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said after his side’s latest victory, a 103-83 romp over Phoenix Super LPG last Saturday.
It should take a lot of doing since NorthPort is coming off a 109-98 win over Meralco last Thursday that snapped the Batang Pier’s five-game losing run.
Terrafirma could have also fanned its hopes but blew as much as a 20-point lead before bowing to Alaska 97-102 also last Saturday and dropped to 2-5.
“Crucial na bawa’t laro namin, bawal ng matalo,” said coach Johnedel Cardel.
“Masakit, pero dapat tanggapin,” added Cardel, referring to the Alaska game. “Sana lang natuto na kami doon in our last four games starting tomorrow, lalo na ‘yung kapag nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na p’wedeng manalo, hindi na papabayaan.”
Black knows Terrafirma will be extra-aggressive and has prepared his team accordingly.
“Terrafirma plays at a fast pace so our transition defense will be important,” he said.
“Defending (Terrafirma import Antonio) Hester will also be a key.”
