Meralco-RoS Game 2 preview: Defense is key

Levi Verora

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Defensive intensity and not firepower will likely be the key factor on who takes game two of the quarterfinals match between the Bolts and the Painters

STOP LEE. Containing Paul Lee's attacks will be one of Meralco's main defensive priorities. Photo by Nuki Sabio/PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – Defense wins championships. Both Meralco and Rain or Shine are counting on defense as their best offense in this series.

“(Defensive) consisntency for sure. At the end of the game they hit two big shots. Gary David kept them in the game and when we needed baskets, we were not able to get them,” said Elasto Painter Gabe Norwood, who sustained a reddish scratch that stretched from the top of his left chest to his left shoulder in their game one battle against the Bolts.

As a defensive leader, Norwood switched to David on defense to stop the streaky shooter. But it was Darnell Jackson who delivered the goods for the Bolts.

“They had a couple of baskets, free throws, and we gave away thos offensive rebounds. These are plays we can prevent them from making to get the job done.”

For Meralco forward Cliff Hodge, even if David fired 27 points on 50% shooting from downtown and Jackson top scored with 30 points, offense isn’t their best defense.

“Defense is our best defense,” Hodge said.

“Even if we score low, if we stop their guards then that is the best eay we can win.”

Stopping the Lee-thal weapon

Lately, Paul Lee has been Rain or Shine’s best creator. They go to the 2011 Rookie of the Year on top of the key and let him decide how to attack. He likes going to his left or driving from the left baseline and knocking the fadeaway.

That is what Hodge figured out in the final play.

“I told Chris Timberlake to stay on Belga and I switched on Lee. I played him one on one and I tried to send him to his right,” said the energetic Meralco Bolts forward, who stopped Paul Lee in the final 10.8 seconds of their Game 1 win over Rain or Shine.

When everything else fails, Rain or Shine’s crisp extra passes will save them in each of their possession.

Teams may have several offensive bursts all throughout a game, but it will still all boil down to defense.

In game one, in spite of the Painters’ slightly better shooting from the field (49.3% compared to Meralco’s 42.7%), they still lost, 94-91.

It was the lack of defensive intensity, not fatigue, in the second half that cost them the game one.

The team that plays better defense in Game 2 Wednesday, 8pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum will likely end up us the victor. – with reports from Mae Santos and Noli Magsambol/Rappler.com

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