Champions Cup-bound Meralco worried about Phoenix too

Allen Durham and the Bolts return after nearly a month. PBA Media Bureau

By Ivan Saldajeno

BAGUIO--Meralco is already gearing up for the FIBA Asia Champions Cup later this month.

However, Coach Norman Black said that he also has the team's PBA Governors' Cup return as a concern.

"It's not just the FIBA Asia that we have to worry about. We also have to worry about the PBA game against Phoenix on the 19th," said Black.

He even stressed out, "We're more worried about Phoenix on the 19th."

If both teams' team standings are to be considered, it may be the case.

The Fuel Masters are one of the hottest teams in the conference so far, racking up three wins in their first four games and are currently in a tie with the idle Alaska Aces in fourth place.

The Bolts, on the other hand, had a start uncharacteristic of a two-time finalist team, only scoring one win out of three outings, good for ninth place, but a long layoff that lasted for almost one month may be all they need to regroup.

Meralco and Phoenix collide on the said date when the league returns to play after the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers fourth window.

Game time is at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, right after the 4:30 p.m. curtain raiser between unbeaten Blackwater and winless NorthPort.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno