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STA. ROSA — Ranidel de Ocampo had his best game yet as a member of the Meralco Bolts on Tuesday night.
De Ocampo, who was acquired by the Bolts in a three-team trade three weeks ago, has been showing why his new team benefitted the most from the deal since his departure from TNT and Game 2 of their semifinals series against the Star Hotshots was no different.
The veteran forward scored 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, including three 3-pointers in 26 minutes off the bench.
But de Ocampo feels he and the rest of the Bolts, who dominated the Hotshots right from the opening tip to win, 98-74, will have to replicate their “near perfect” game to close out the series as early as Thursday.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to play the same way. But we know that it’s not going to be easy in Game 3,” he said. “At the same time, finishing a series is the hardest one.”
“This is the only time that I had a good game. I’m hoping that I can have more good games to help my teammates and I give the credit to them especially to Durham.”
Star got off to a fast start in the semis opener on Sunday and Meralco returned the favor in Game 2.
De Ocampo said that was exactly the Bolts’ plan heading into the duel.
“That was really our game plan, to have a good start and it happened,” he said. “We sustained our good defense and we connected on our outside shots.”
Meralco led, 30-11, after the first quarter and by as much as 30 points, 78-48, entering the final period.
The Bolts also shot 53% from the field and held the Hotshots to just 32%. They hit 14-of-33 from deep and had 28 assists.
Game 3 is on Thursday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.