Black, Pingris say Meralco-Star semis ‘all about defense’

Star Hotshot’s Marc Pingris v.s. Meralco Bolts on PBA Governor’s Cup at Alonte Sports Arena. (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

MANILA — If Game 1 is to be observed, the PBA Governors’ Cup semi-final series between Meralco and Star will likely be a low-scoring affair.

“The way it looks, it’s really gonna be a defensive struggle,” said Norman Black, the Bolts’s head coach. “We’re number one and two in the league in defense.”

“It’s all about defense. Ganoon talaga ang series na ito,” Hotshots big man Marc Pingris agreed.

Black, however, is aware that the offense could pick up as the best-of-five series continues.

“You’ll never know how each game goes. Next game, we might score 110 points. Who knows?” he added.

On whether both Meralco and Star will indeed score that much will only be determined on Tuesday night as Game 2 of the semis rages on at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Sta. Rosa City at 7 p.m.

The Bolts look to build a commanding 2-0 lead, while the Hotshots try to bounce back from their stinging Game 1 defeat on Sunday night in which they blew a late 11-point lead.

“Next time, babawi kami. [I] promise,” Pingris vowed. “Sa Game 2, kailangang matutunan namin ang mga mistakes namin [noong Game 1].”