Blackwater head coach Leo Isaac. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Amid Blackwater’s precarious start, Art dela Cruz admitted that the two-game losing skid was a humbling experience for the team.
“It was a wake up call for us. We made it a motivation and we moved on. It was tough for us because this is a very different conference for us,” the sophomore forward said.
With the Elite brought back down to earth after a 2-0 opening, they picked up the pieces and pulled off the 96-85 win over NLEX on Wednesday to halt their skid.
Dela Cruz finished with 18 points and eight rebounds to lead Blackwater, which found a way to regain its defensive intensity to repulse the injury-riddled Road Warriors.
“What was lacking from us in our two losses was our defense. That’s why in our past few practices, we made it a priority. We settled down on defense and that’s why we won,” he said.
Also helping the Elite is the coaching staff defining every one’s roles, with specific instructions given to the players in preparation for the games.
“Even in practice, we already know our roles. There’s no star player in this team who coach says we should pass the ball to. Whoever is open, that’s where we pass the ball to. Luckily, all of us contributed. Actually, all of our points are close and everyone of us had a good game,” shared Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz is keeping his hopes up that this will be the start of another winning run, with Blackwater’s next games against GlobalPort and its Christmas day duel against Mahindra.
“Our confidence is on a high, especially we won against coach Yeng Guiao. It’s a big thing for us.
Hopefully, we sustain this and be consistent,” he ended.