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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Bolts face acid test vs Tropa

Bolts face acid test vs Tropa

Published Jan 6, 2025 07:04 am

At A Glance

  • The Bolts began the loaded schedule with a character-testing win over Eastern but they are expected to get their hands full against a well-rested Tropang Giga in the main event at 7:30 p.m.

The recharged Meralco looks to sustain the impressive start to the new year even as it is facing TNT on Tuesday, Jan.7, at the PhilSports Arena as part of a grueling three-game stretch this week in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.

PBA Images4.jpg
Bong Quinto (PBA Images)

The Bolts began the loaded schedule with a character-testing win over Eastern but they are expected to get their hands full against a well-rested Tropang Giga in the main event at 7:30 p.m.

Raising the curtain to the enticing clash is the matchup between Terrafirma and Phoenix – two teams hoping to change their fortunes and move up from the bottom of the standings in their 5 p.m. affair.

A week-long rest seemed to have benefitted Meralco as it finally welcomed back some key players just in time with their marquee duels – first with TNT and then later on in the week against the league-leading NorthPort.

As tough as the schedule may be for the Bolts, head coach Luigi Trillo remained confident with his wards especially after their show of resilience last month when they had to play in the PBA and EASL with virtually half of the team either out or nursing some injuries.

“Every game this week mabibigat you have TNT you have NorthPort but we’ve been going through some tough times,” said Trillo.

“‘Yung last two games namin dalawang pagkatalo, we have eight players injured Akil (Mitchell) is injured DJ (Kennedy) was injured and six of our locals were injured and yung anim na iyon they have minutes,” he added as the Bolts came out of their December schedule still on a winning record at 3-2.

Good thing, though, reinforcements have arrived for Meralco with big men Raymond Almazan and Brandon Bates returning to back up Mitchell who is still nursing a broken nose. 

Chris Banchero, Aaron Black as well as rookie CJ Cansino all got some minutes in the 88-83 win over Eastern to try to get their respective rhythms.

“It’s big that we have guys back, CJ played, CB played, Brandon  played, Raymond. They’re gonna be crucial coming in. We play a lot of guys so kumpyansa kami na the next four games we can use them sa rotation namin,” added Trillo.

Of course, the Tropang Giga, who had the lightest schedule last month with only four games, are certainly no pushovers especially with import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson leading the charge.

 

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