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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Trillo believes Meralco has what it takes to even series vs TNT

Trillo believes Meralco has what it takes to even series vs TNT

Published Jan 10, 2026 01:24 pm

At A Glance

  • Meralco finally showed some semblance of life in their semifinals series against TNT and now hopes to sustain that momentum as it seeks to even things up in Game 4 in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Jan. 11.
It ain’t over til it's over.
Meralco finally showed some semblance of life in their semifinals series against TNT and now hopes to sustain that momentum as it seeks to even things up in Game 4 in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Jan. 11.
After losses in Games 1 and 2 put the Bolts in a dire situation, the wards of head coach Luigi Trillo displayed a renewed sense of urgency in Game 3, not only to avoid falling into a 0-3 hole, but more importantly, to give themselves a fighting chance in the series.
Meralco cut the series deficit to 1-2 and now has an opportunity to equalize when the teams clash for the fourth time at 7:30 p.m.
Serving as a fitting appetizer is the other semis series, where defending champion San Miguel aims for a commanding 3-1 lead over Barangay Ginebra in the 5:15 p.m. affair.
“I truly believe this series is far from over. We have what it takes, but it's going to take double the effort for that Sunday game,” said Trillo, who hailed his stalwarts for their consistent showing in their 97-89 Game 3 win.
Although the series lead remained at the hands of TNT, Meralco seemed to be a little more confident heading to the pivotal match especially after ending a two-year, seven-game losing streak against the Tropang 5G.
“We haven't beaten this team in a long time, and you have to credit the guys for sticking together, right? TNT will be back, and they did come back, and it was good that we kept our poise, and we got the stops needed,” said the veteran coach.
Meralco, however, would need to prepare for potentially missing main gun Chris Newsome after hurting his knee in Game 3.
Meanwhile in the first game, riding the crest of the Game 3 win following a Don Trollano explosion, SMB is looking to bury Ginebra to a 3-1 deficit.
But the Kings are surely looking to make adjustments on their defense especially after the SMB bench erupted in the last game, practically putting to waste their huge effort of limiting June Mar Fajardo to just six points.
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