Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
With Blackwater winning its last two games, Mike DiGregorio likes his side’s odds of making it to the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
“I think our chances are great,” he said as the Elite improved to 4-5 after a 95-76 win over Kia. “We hold our own destiny if we take care of business.”
It took time, but the Elite are finally playing to their potential. They scored an upset over San Miguel last week before doubling down on the Picanto on Friday.
“I think we have a great team. I think Poy (Erram) is a great player, same with Mac Belo, Allein (Maliksi). We also have great role players and veterans,” said DiGregorio.
DiGregorio is crediting this belated Blackwater run for a playoff berth to players sticking to their roles.
“Nothing changed really. We’ve just been playing a lot more cohesive and more as a team. We’re jelling a lot more together,” he said.
DiGregorio has played a huge part in that spurt, shooting 50-percent from thre to average 23.5 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in the Elite’s last two victories.
His blazing performance was the reason why the Elite broke away from the Picanto in the third period, firing 14 of his 21 points in the frame to give his team a much-needed 77-65 cushion.
DiGregorio, though, said that with how things are going with Blackwater, anybody can be the hero for the squad any given day.
“It just so happens that I had the hot hand, the big game. But we have a lot of good players,” he said. “The last two games were my night, the next two could be Allein’s night, Mac’s night. Poy has been a beast and he’s playing great every single game. It just so happened that I have the hot hand the last two games, but it could be anybody.”
The Elite aim to formalize their entry to the quarterfinals when they take on NLEX on Sunday and Phoenix on Wednesday.
“We took care of our first game, but the job’s not done. If we take care of the next two, then there won’t be any problem,” said DiGregorio. “Our fate is in our hands. If we take care of business, we have a great chance.”