Meralco, Star begin semifinal showdown in Laguna

Going by the way both teams reached the semifinals of the PBA Governors’ Cup, you’d think that the Meralco Bolts, which needed two games to survive a quarterfinal duel against lowly Blackwater, would be the underdogs against the Star Hotshots.

But as Meralco’s sweet-shooting forward Jared Dillinger put it, “there are a lot of variables” involved when they collide at the start of their semifinal series Sunday at Alonte Sports Complex in Biñan, Laguna.

Game time is 6:30 p.m. and Meralco coach Norman Black said the Hotshots present “a different problem for us to defend.”

Unlike Blackwater, which largely depended on import Henry Walker, Star will force the Bolts to be defensively aware of a lot more weapons.

“With Star, they have a lot of players who can score, a lot of locals contribute a lot,” said Black. “Not saying that their import is not good because he is, but the locals contribute a lot to their [cause].”

Kristofer Acox dumped 21 points on NLEX during their quarterfinal duel. He also had 12 rebounds.

But the Hotshots also counted on locals Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang and Marc Pingris to deliver for coach Chito Victolero.

The Hotshots drubbed the elimination round standouts NLEX Road Warriors, 89-77, in their quarterfinal duel.

One more thing going against Meralco is its hurting import Allen Durham who sprained his ankle in their last game against Blackwater.

Durham said he is ready to play but Black is not counting on it just yet.

“Everything depends on what type of shape he’s in,” said Black.

Good thing for the Bolts, they also have a well-ingrained support system in Ranidel de Ocampo, Baser Amer, Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge and Dillinger.