Dillinger sparks, completes Bolts’ Game 1 comeback

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BIÑAN — Meralco’s big comeback win over Star in Game 1 of the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals started and fittingly, ended with Jared Dillinger.

Dillinger sparked the Bolts’ rally from a 17-point lead in the first half before completing his team’s comeback from 12 points down late.

“I’m just trying to do my part on the team. All the guys have the confidence to let me shoot, so I just try to stay in my lane. If the ball comes, I’ll shoot it if it’s open, but if it’s not, I’ll pass it up,” the veteran forward said.

“It’s just a good grind out win. Both teams weren’t shooting well and we’re just lucky to hit the big shots and that’s just how it works in the playoffs.”

The 33-year-old Dillinger pumped in eight of his team’s last 15 points down the stretch but what he was more proud about was the Bolts living up to their reputation as one of the best defensive teams in the league.

“Coach had a good game plan defensively and as long as we talk out there, we’re gonna be okay,” he said. “We’re the number one defensive team in the league and we’re a good defensive team for a reason, so as long as we listen to coach, we talk out there and communicate, we’ll be okay.”

But Dillinger hopes Meralco breaks its bad habit of falling behind games. In three of its last four games, Meralco needed to overhaul big leads to win dating back to its final game in the the elimination round against San Miguel Beer.

“I really don’t know what’s going on. We need to stop doing that. I’m getting no sleep. It’s just so hard to go behind and just win. It’s mentally and physically draining,” he said. “Coach says it all the time, a win is a win and we’ll take it, but I’m tired coming back from behind. Can we just get a normal one?”

Game 2 is on Tuesday at Sta. Rosa, Laguna with the Bolts looking to grab a commanding lead in the best-of-5 duel.

“This is just one game in the semis. We got long ways to go.”