Meralco tries to ward off a blackout

It was unthinkable at the start of the championship series. But, after the Game 2 meltdown suffered by the Meralco Bolts, there came hints of a possible Governors’ Cup Finals series sweep by the Ginebra Kings.

These were faint hints, of course.

For starters, Ginebra coach Tim Cone said he was surprised at how his team seemed to have surpassed itself with an overwhelming conquest of Meralco in the series opener on Friday.

On Sunday, Cone said they were merely lucky to have survived a killer punch (thrown at them) by the Bolts.

It was Cone’s way of saying they could not afford to put their guard down for even a second, because Meralco could be doubly lethal in Game 3.
For his part, Meralco mentor Norman Black swore they’re sure to get off the ropes early and meet Ginebra head-on in Wednesday’s match at Smart

Araneta Coliseum before another sellout attendance.

Black did not say it, but his men are sure to play with vengeance.

Game 3 could prove to be the most decisive in the best-of-7 Finals.

A Meralco win, which would not be very surprising, could signal a turnaround for the Bolts.

A Ginebra triumph would, however, send the green light flaring for a 4-0 title series knockout.

So what hit Meralco in the breathless wind-up of Game 2?

Did the Bolts suffer a power failure in the stretch?

Did the Kings get them with a double-barrel surge, an incredible full-pressure defense coupled with an almost flawless attack?

Yes, said veteran columnist Al S. Mendoza, there was a mishap suffered by Meralco in the final 4 minutes and 47 seconds of Game 2.

Mendoza, noting Ginebra scored 19 points against only one by Meralco, could not find an apt term for the Meralco meltdown—whether it was an accident or a power failure.

The Bolts could neither shoot nor defend.

Meralco suffered a partial blackout.

Mark tonight’s game as their first of two chances to ward off a total shutout.