MVP happy on Meralco’s accomplishment of ending up number one

MANUEL V. PANGILINAN, chief backer of three teams in the PBA, felt proud of the Meralco Bolts’ latest achievement in the PBA Governors’ Cup as the runner-up of last season’s tournament was able to finish no. 1 at the end of the elimination round on Sunday.

The Bolts fought back from 18 points down in the third period before eking out a come from behind victory over the grand slam seeking San Miguel Beermen. With the win, Meralco finished with a tournament-best 9-2 mark and set up a quarterfinals showdown with Blackwater.

Mr. Pangilinan, who watched the Bolts’ latest feat, was more than satisfied with what he saw.

“I’m happy for the Bolts,” said Mr. Pangilinan. “But now, the quarters and the semis are starting. This is a different ball game.”

Last season, the Bolts led by Allen Durham, who was named the Best Import of the conference, made its first championship entry in their six-year franchise history, but lost in a heartbreaking fashion against the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings following a dramatic three-point at the buzzer by Justin Brownlee in Game 6 of their best-of-seven finals series.

But Mr. Pangilinan likes his team’s chances better this time around.

“Yes, I like our chances. I hope that shot delivered by Justin Brownlee will motivate them more this time,” added Mr. Pangilinan.

Head coach Norman Black cherished the same experience with Mr. Pangilinan in seeing the Bolts finishing no. 1 for the first time in franchise history.

“It’s a big win for the Meralco program. I think it’s probably the first time we finished no. 1 in the end of the elimination round and now, we’re into the playoffs where things are a little bit more difficult. The focus now is to prepare against Blackwater because they played very, very well this conference,” added Black.

Allen Durham, the reigning Best Import of the Governors Cup, however, believes ending up no. 1 is no big deal.

“It feels good, but they don’t give trophies for being no. 1 in the regular season. We’ve got to keep go to work and we’ve got no. 1 goal in mind and that’s to be champions. We’ve got to get back to work and prepare for Tuesday,” said Durham.

Now that the Bolts have become the no. 1 team, is Meralco now becoming the new flagship squad in the MVP group? Two other teams from the stable — NLEX and TNT — are also in the playoffs.

But like a father to all his three kids, Mr. Pangilinan clarified he is treating all of them equally.

“Hindi naman,” said Mr. Pangilinan. “I hope I don’t have to label anyone of the three as flagship. All three teams have done well this conference. We’re just bystander.” — Rey Joble