Meralco not taking SMB lightly

MANILA, Philippines — By taking Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals, Meralco has maintained its status as the only team powerhouse San Miguel Beer hasn’t defeated all conference.

But no way are the Bolts allowing themselves to be intoxicated by such success.

“This team is a championship team, a dynasty team. They’re capable of doing amazing things. You were all there for the ‘Beeracle’ so you know you cannot count this team out,” said Meralco ace Chris Newsome, referring to SMB’s celebrated fightback from 0-3 against Alaska in capturing the 2016 All-Filipino title.

“They’re very smart all the way through and they’re proven winners so you can never count out the heart of a champion. And for us, it’s just about staying humble and staying focused because we know what we’re trying to accomplish,” he added.

Such a mindset is crucial as the Bolts seek a 2-0 lead in the race-to-four tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. They go into the 7:30 p.m. second match looking to sustain the momentum from their 96-83 Game 1 stunner Wednesday as well as their earlier 95-92 reversal that ended SMB’s sweep bid in the elims last month.

“We need to prepare and the more we zone in and lock in on the things we need to do, the better chance we have of beating this team,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo, expecting Newsome, Chris Banchero, Allein Maliksi, Bong Quinto and the team’s contain-June Mar Fajardo-crew Raymond Almazan, Cliff Hodge, Brandon Bates and Kyle Pascual to stay on full power.

As bad as falling to Meralco a second time and losing for only the third time this conference was, the Beermen are quick to move on.

“Tapos na ‘yung Game 1. Focus kami sa Game 2. Mahabang series ito,” said SMB star CJ Perez.