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STA. ROSA, Laguna--Meralco is not that as successful as some other teams in terms of winning games outside of Metro Manila in recent times.
So getting three wins in as many games in Laguna--with two coming here--this PBA Governors' Cup including the first two games of the semifinals against Star is something Coach Norman Black wants to cherish.
"We haven't won too many out-of-town games in the last couple of years, so it's nice to win out of town," Black told reporters after the Bolts' most impressive win among the three, a 98-74 Game 2 rout of the Hotshots at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Tuesday night.
[Related Story: Meralco inches closer to semis sweep of Star with Game 2 rout]
After having to get through the needle hole to steal the win in three of the last four games including the series opener in Biñan on Sunday night, Meralco imposed its will over Star from the start this time, clobbering its opponent from the get go.
"Offensively and defensively, I think we executed very well. We did a much better job of beating their pressure defense today right from the start of the game. This time, we're ready for the blow. We reacted immediately," Black bared what went right for the Bolts.
While they had more turnovers than the Hotshots, seeing the Bolts cutting down on errors was also pleasing enough for Black.
"The fact that we were only able to have seven turnovers in the first half made a big difference in our execution offensively," he continued. "The guys really stepped up tonight. It's a total team effort."
Meralco has three chances to close out Star, and all will happen back in Metro Manila starting with Game 3 on Thursday night in Quezon City.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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