On a three-game roll, Petron coach Gie Abanilla is convinced they can still do better, hoping they can live up to their potential in an anticipated battle with San Mig Coffee.
Both teams are aching to march on as they clash at 6 p.m. Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Boosters look to firm up their hold of the lead, shooting for a fourth straight win while the Mixers are out to get going after breaking their two-game slump the last time out versus the Talk n Text Tropang Texters.
“We want to have a conscious effort to protect our spot in the upper half of the standings because every game is really important,” said Abanilla.
“We know that we are up against a strong and well-coached team so our work is really cut out for us. We hope to build our identity and consistency on how we play on both ends and keep on improving so we can play to our true potential,” Abanilla also said.
Abanilla is wary of coach Tim Cone and his troops who have got into the groove, repulsing the Texters, 118-99, Sunday.
Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Marc Pingris made a big difference as he brought in tremendous intensity and energy in his return to the San Mig fold.
Pingris collected a season-high 23 points and eight rebounds, along the way helping James Yap rediscover his touch.
“James (Yap) got going early, Marqus (Blakely) made his first free throw and Ping (Marc Pingris) was such an awesome defender,” said Cone then.
Taking the cue from Pingris, Yap checked his personal slump, firing away 21 points after going 2-of-24 from the field in their first two games.
“The guys tried to get James open to give him open shots. I didn’t ask them to do it. They just did it,” said Cone.
The Mixers must continue to hit the target if they’re to give the Boosters a good fight.
They aim to hit the .500 mark at 2-2. (SB)
Source: http://pba.inquirer.net/29603/streaking-boosters-take-on-rejuvenated-coffee-mixers
No comments:
Post a Comment