Coming off its first loss in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Star is looking at inflicting the same hurt on fellow powerhouse San Miguel Beer.
After seeing a four-game winning streak come to a screeching halt exactly a week ago, the Hotshots battle the Beermen in the 6:45 p.m. game at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, with Star aching to deal San Miguel its first loss that could mean a piece of the early elimination round lead.
And coach Chito Victolero believes that with the right mind-set, his Hotshots will be the first team to pierce the Beermen’s seeming myth of invincibility.
“Beating San Miguel is tough, but I think we have a good chance if we all play hard together,” Victolero said in a text message. “We just have to stay focused on our game plan and execute on both ends of the floor for 48 minutes.”
The reigning Philippine Cup champion Beermen have been impressive in their first two games but will be entering a tough six-day stretch where they play three games, making each one of them important as they try to amass as many wins early and put themselves in position for a top two finish.
Meanwhile, Meralco shoots for win No. 6 and enhance its chances for a top two when the Bolts, who will be without do-it-all power forward Cliff Hodge, battle dangerous Blackwater in the 4:30 p.m. contest.
The Bolts played a chunk of their elimination round games in the first two weeks of the conference and came out of a hectic schedule almost unscathed.
Coach Norman Black and the rest of his gang are aiming for the highest finish possible.
“It may come down to a battle between the imports,” Black said as he parades Alex Stepheson against the equally big and talented Greg Smith.
“We are hoping that Alex holds his own [against Smith] and control the boards for us like he has done in our past games.”
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Tony Mitchell of Star, seen here swatting the shot of Mahindra’s LA Revilla, has been a defensive anchor for the Hotshots. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ