Games Wednesday
(PhilSports Arena)
4:30 p.m. – Blackwater vs NLEX
7:30 p.m. – Terrafirma vs Phoenix
By REYNALD MAGALLON
It’s a collision between two streaking teams as Blackwater and NLEX lock horns in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday, March 13.
Owners three-game winning streaks, the Bossing and the Road Warriors eye to keep their run going in the 4:30 p.m. affair.
It will be followed by the clash between Terrafirma Dyip who are looking to get back on the winning track and the Phoenix Fuel Masters who are searching for their first victory in the 7:30 p.m. nightcap.
All eyes are on the Bossing, whether they can sustain a surprising perfect 3-0 start so far in the conference. Blackwater not only can tighten its grip on the early lead in the standings but it can also tie the franchise’s best start of 4-0 with a victory in the contest.
Head coach Jeff Cariaso, however, is not putting much pressure on his charges in terms of keeping the hot start.
“So far, it’s a good start (but) we’re staying humble, we’re staying focused ’cause we know how quick things can turn. So we’ll just gonna continue working hard,” said Cariaso.
One particular aspect Blackwater can still polish on is its defense according to Cariaso – something that will be tested against an NLEX team who has been on a tear behind star guard Robert Bolick.
“We put our premium and our focus on how we like to defend and we’re not perfect. There’s a lot to improve on, especially when we make subs. We want to maintain that same intensity and focus,” Cariaso pointed out.
Bolick, for one, is coming off a career-high and franchise-best scoring after dropping 46 points last time out against Converge. He is averaging 36 ppg on 59-percent clip from the field on top of 6.5 rpg, 6.0 apg through the last two games.
Cariaso is looking at guys like RK Ilagan, Rey Suerte and Rey Nambatac to put up a body and stifle Bolick’s offense while guys like Troy Rosario and Christian David man the paint.
The Road Warriors though are eager to prove that they are more than just Bolick as guys like Baser Amer, Sean Anthony and even rookies Jhan Nermal and Enoch Valdez look to provide ample contributions.
