MANILA -- Meralco Bolts coach Norman Black will put a lot of emphasis in rebounding as his team looks to bounce back from a stinging overtime defeat to Phoenix Fuel Masters on Saturday as the Philippine Basketball Association makes its first stop at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City for 2019.
"We gave up 77 rebounds (last Wednesday), which was way too many, and more importantly, it's the last two plays in the game where offensive rebounds led to scores. That's something we have to address in practice," Black said. "That will be the concern going to the game against Blackwater."
While the Elite lost their primary main man inside in Poy Erram, Black said that his Bolts should still strive in grabbing the caroms in their 4:30 p.m. clash, especially now that they are in full force again with the return of Cliff Hodge, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Jared Dillinger.
"It's nice to have them healthy. You give them a chance of winning. But at the same time, they have to do a better job rebounding the ball," Black said. "It's the All-Filipino. We don't have an import to come in and help in the rebounding. So, the locals have to do the rebounding. Like I told them before the game, if we rebound the ball well, we're gonna win this conference. If we don't, we won't," he added.
In the main game at 6:45 p.m., the Fuel Masters look to make it 2-0 as they take on the TNT KaTropa, who also looks to bounce back from a tough opening night loss to Barangay Ginebra. (PNA)
