In an exciting PBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup, Blackwater’s coach Jeff Cariaso and Meralco’s Luigi Trillo are set to face off after securing wins in their debut games. This anticipated collision at the Ynares Center in Antipolo promises a thrilling battle for a second consecutive victory.
For Cariaso, a win would not only extend Blackwater’s unbeaten streak but also establish an early lead, contributing significantly to his mission of cultivating a winning mindset within his squad. Reflecting on their convincing 103-84 win against Converge, Cariaso emphasized that the ultimate goal is to clinch the championship.
“The goal of our team is like the goal of the other 11 teams, and that is to win the championship. Some people may see it as a harder road, but that’s still our goal,” expressed Cariaso. The victory against Converge marked a positive first step, and Cariaso is eager to face the challenge presented by the formidable Meralco team.
While acknowledging the work in progress to shed the perennial underdog tag, Cariaso stressed the importance of instilling a winning mentality. “If we don’t have that winning mentality, then from the start, we have no chance. We want to believe and trust that we can compete with the bigger teams,” he asserted.
On the other side, Trillo, tasked with steering Meralco to playoff success and a coveted title, sees shared responsibility within his team. After Meralco’s 107-102 triumph over Rain or Shine, Trillo acknowledged the increased responsibility but emphasized its shared nature among the coaching staff.
The showdown will witness standout performances from key players, with Blackwater’s Chris Ortiz showcasing an impressive stat line of 21 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in the Converge clash. Meralco’s Suleiman Brimoh made a notable impact with 34 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks against the Elasto Painters.
As the clash unfolds, eyes will be on the local talents, including Blackwater’s Troy Rosario, Jayvee Casio, and Rey Suerte, along with Meralco’s Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, and Allein Maliksi, all poised to play pivotal roles in this exciting encounter. The battle goes beyond individual performances, encapsulating the collective effort of each team striving for success in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
image source:Spin.ph
