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WHILE his team enjoys an overwhelming advantage in terms of playoff success against Meralco, Barangay Geneva coach Tim Cone knows that it has become increasingly difficult to beat the Bolts in a series.
The Kings face the Bolts once again this time in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals inside the Smart Clark Giga City bubble – 11 months since their victory over the Bolts in the Governors’ Cup final, the third time they have the Kings won the championship in the Bolts Expense in conference.
Cone definitely expects the same result in these semifinals, but knows that each year it is more difficult.
The multi-title coach said Meralco now has the big man in Raymond Almazan who can challenge the Kings big men led by Japeth Aguilar, and the resurgence of Reynel Hugnatan added another weapon for the Bolts.
“It’s getting harder and harder because they continue to grow and improve,” Cone said. “This will be his toughest version yet with Almazan and the maturity of his young core, plus the crafty veteran Hugnatan.”
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Cone will once again lean on Stanley Pringle and Scottie Thompson in the series that begins Wednesday at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
Meralco coach Norman Black said the Bolts remain a big loser in the series primarily because of their record against Geneva in the championship series, with one factor being their uneven head-to-head record.
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But Cone noted how Black built a game plan against San Miguel where one of his plans was to pressure big man Mo Tautuaa.
It paid off when the Bolts overcame the disadvantage twice to beat the Beermen, ending their five-year reign in the Philippine Cup.
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“Coach Norman always brings out the best in his teams. His game plan and execution against SMB was tremendous, “said the two-time Grand Slam winner.” We know we have a great fight on our hands. It is up to us to prepare for it. “
