Comeback falls short for ‘sluggish’ Meralco Bolts in Game 2 loss

Meralco head coach Norman Black thinks the Bolts shot themselves in the foot after coming out slow in a loss to Alaska in Game 2 of their 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals series on Tuesday.

“We got off to a very sluggish start today. We looked a little bit tired in the beginning and they jumped on us immediately. They were energized tonight,” Black told reporters after the Aces leveled the series following a 100-95 win at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bolts, whose seven game-winning streak was snapped, were a step slow especially in the third quarter where the Aces extended their lead to 20, 66-46, midway through the period.

Despite the defeat, Black still commended his players for their resiliency as they nearly stole the game in the end.

A 3-pointer by Chris Newsome pulled the Bolts within one, 96-95, with 14.5 seconds remaining. Baser Amer had the chance to tie the game but missed a deep 3-pointer before Alaska guard Simon Enciso iced the game with a couple of free throws with only 2.9 ticks to go.

“I think the only time we got our legs under us was in the fourth quarter. WE started playing a little bit better, our outside shots started to fall and our defense started to click a little bit, but it was just a little bit too late,” Black said.

“That’s the part I’m happiest about. The players did not give up. They could’ve when we were down by 20. They didn’t give up, they kept fighting and gave themselves a chance to win the basketball game. Maybe a few breaks down the stretch might have helped us a little but I’m happy with the effort in the second half.”

Game 3 is on Thursday night at Cuneta Astrodome with Black hoping Meralco will be able to at least match Alaska’s energy.

“My thoughts right now is that I just wanna find a way to give my players a little bit of rest so they can comeback and be energized and have their legs. They didn’t have their legs tonight,” he said.

“I think tonight AD (Durham) had nine rebounds which was way below his average so I just have to find a way to keep him fresh so that when we play them in the next game in Game 3 he’ll have a little bit more energy and we play our regular game. whether it’s close down the stretch.”