Meralco Bolts’ Bong Quinto within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
Meralco will now not have the luxurious to plot with readability within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and head coach Luigi Trillo is aware of that the Bolts have nobody else in charge however themselves.
“At this level, it’s what it’s. We have been [supposed] to be tied for second place, however we now have to maneuver on. It was in our arms in opposition to Phoenix (final Jan. 10) however we didn’t win that recreation,” he mentioned on the heels of a 109-102 conquer Terrafirma on Friday night time.
“It’s simply powerful to appreciate that we nonetheless have to attend for Ginebra and no matter occurs there,” he went on. “[If] Ginebra wins, we’re fifth.”
That’s precisely what occurred.
The Gin Kings took to the street and defeated the NLEX Highway Warriors, 103-99, in Legazpi Metropolis, taking the final twice-to-beat incentive and leaving Trillo to rue the prevailing league rule on playoff bonuses and ties.
The Bolts, who regardless of profitable eight of its 11 video games within the match, will accept fifth place and might want to win twice over their quarterfinal opponent to advance to the semifinals. One loss eliminates Meralco.
Superior quotient
Meralco slipped to No. 5 as the gang darlings maintain superior quotient owing to their 110-96 victory in opposition to the Bolts final Dec. 22.
“That being mentioned, I’d wish to see, shifting ahead, that the No. 4 and No. 5 spots [play a] knockout recreation because the higher groups labored onerous to be [where they are],” he mentioned.
Earlier than the three-conference period, the PBA used to ship the highest two finishers of the elimination spherical to the semifinals. Three groups superior to the quarterfinals, whereas 4 extra battled for a spot within the wildcard spherical to find out the fourth membership to affix the knockout section. “We’ve got our arms full, whether or not or not it’s Phoenix or Ginebra,” he mentioned of Meralco’s quarterfinal matchup.
“Phoenix has been enjoying very well, they’re a workforce that may swap with a number of sturdy guys there. We have a look at Ginebra and the depth of that workforce: They’ve LA (Tenorio) and Japeth (Aguilar) who used to start out, and now they’re coming off the bench, so apart from Scottie (Thompson), they’re loaded,” he added.
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“We simply have to return to the drafting board, we’ll have a day or two, and we’ll be prepared for whoever.”