IT’S Meralco’s turn to test the mettle of Rain or Shine’s sensational rookie Paul Lee.
The Bolts gun for their third-straight win against the Lee-led Elasto Painters in the main game of the 2011 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts’ defense has been terrific in the last two games, limiting their opponents to an average 75 points that allowed them to bounce back from an 80-98 opening-game loss to Talk ’N Text.
The Bolts battle Rain or Shine at 7:30 p.m.
“It is very seldom to see a rookie take over the leadership mantle of a team. That is what Lee has done for his franchise. We acknowledged that and that is why we are preparing hard to limit his looks on offense,” said Bolts head coach Ryan Gregorio.
“The tricky part when you play Rain or Shine is that you also have to prepare against the likes of [Gabe] Norwood, [Jeff] Chan, [Beau] Belga, [Larry] Rodriguez and [Ronjay] Buenafe. All these players are capable of scoring if left unguarded, and can burn you with their variety of shots,” he added.
Lee’s sizzling start in the PBA was halted by the Tropang Texters. Rain or Shine dropped a 98-107 decision to the defending champions with Lee hitting 17 points on five-of-13 shooting, but majority of his production came in the first half.
“I’m sure Rain or Shine is aching to bounce back and it will take an awesome defensive blanket from us to frustrate them,” said Gregorio.
Bolts starters Sol Mercado, Mark Cardona, Reynel Hugnatan and Chris Ross remain doubtful for Wednesday’s game as they recuperate from injuries. Veteran center Asi Taulava, Gabby Espinas, Mark Isip, Chico Lanete and Mark Macapagal are filling the holes for the meantime for the Meralco five.
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao hopes Lee and the rest of the Elasto Painters can recover from that defeat and get back to their winning ways.
In the first game at 5:15 p.m., Talk ’N Text eyes a share of the lead when it takes on Barako Bull.
The Tropang Texters are one of the two unbeaten teams—Petron Blaze holds a 3-0 record—and they want to stay that way. They take on the rejuvenated Energy, who came from a huge 88-75 come-from-behind win against Barangay Ginebra last week.
Talk ’N Text coach Chot Reyes said Barako Bull is no pushover that’s why he cautions his players not to take the team lightly.
“Deep, tall and talented team that’s getting energized by two excellent rookies,” said Reyes, referring to Barako Bull rookies Dylan Ababou and Allain Maliksi. “Without Kelly [Williams] and Ranidel [de Ocampo], we don’t have enough bigs to match up.”
Energy head coach Junel Baculi said they need to bring their A-game to stand a chance against a depleted yet talented team of Talk ’N Text.
