MERALCO tries to snap a three-game losing streak against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the main game of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
They clash at 7 p.m., right after the opening tussle between winless Blackwater (0-7) and NLEX (2-4) at 4:1 5p.m.
After a sizzling 3-0 start, the Bolts dropped their last three games, including an ugly 79-107 defeat to Rain or Shine.
Against the Kings, Meralco Head Coach Norman Black said they need to play solid the entire game as they expect Ginebra to come out strong.
“We just have to come out and give a consistent effort for 48 minutes with dedication on the defensive end of the court. As I told the team, the effort we displayed versus Rain or Shine is not just acceptable,” Black said.
“We will have our hands full going up against a Ginebra team that is loaded in all positions. I know that the ball is round for both teams, so if we come out and play with desire, anything can happen,” he added.
The Kings are coming off a 77-79 loss to sister-team San Miguel Beer, their second defeat in seven matches.
The wards of Head Coach Jeff Cariaso need the win badly to stay in the hunt for one of the top 2 spots in the eliminations.
In the opener, the Road Warriors also try to put an end to their three-game losing skid as they collide with the Elite, the remaining team in the tournament without a victory.
NLEX is coming off a 76-92 loss to Purefoods. The Hotshots were also responsible in handing Blackwater its latest blackeye, 82-90.
Joel Orellana