A SURPRISING hot start is just what Blackwater needs for its confidence to soar.
The Elite eye a third straight win when they take on a challenge from a team that has yet to list a win in the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
Winner of two in a row, Blackwater (2-1), surprisingly tied for second place with several teams, can grab solo second should it keep its winning run going, but a stiff test from a desperate Star (0-3), the only winless team left in the league, awaits as they clash at 4:15 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
What follows is a battle of heavyweights still trying to find their way this conference in Talk ‘N Text (1-2) and Alaska (0-1) at 7 p.m.
This early, the sophomore franchise’s mild success is indeed a big breakthrough, especially for a team still finding its way in the league.
Just ask Elite head coach Leo Isaac.
“We had the first back-to-back wins in our franchise here in the PBA. Siyempre masarap sa pakiramdam. It feels good to achieve this,” said Isaac. “We just have to continue now.”
In its last victory Friday, Blackwater pulled off an upset win against import-less Alaska, 107-101, as Carlo Lastimosa and Reil Cervantes continued to deliver the goods for the Elite, along with the help of import MJ Rhett.
While the Elite are enjoying their good start, the Hotshots are exactly on the opposite end.
Last Saturday, Star collapsed yet again as it suffered its third straight defeat, this time at the hands of NLEX, 106-99, in Binan, Laguna.
Meanwhile, Alaska played sans resident import Rob Dozier, who as he sat out with a plantar fascitis injury on his foot against Blackwater.
For the meantime, Alaska is tapping a temporary import in NBA D-League veteran Shane Edwards in place of Dozier, while he is still recovering.
After playing two of its first three games All-Filipino following the troubles of banned import Ivan Johnson, Talk ‘N Text finally has a new reinforcement in tow.
The Tropang Texters will parade new import David Simon, a 33-year-old journeyman, who had tons of experience playing overseas.
Talk ‘N Text is hoping that he can elevate the play and the morale of the defending champion.
“It’s tough to immediately find a quality import and we’re hoping he (Simon) can really help us,” said Talk ‘N Text coach Jong Uichico, whose squad isn’t exactly having the start it wants in its title defense.
In their last game also last Friday, the Tropang Texters bowed to GlobalPort, 108-101.
Games Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – Star vs. Blackwater
7 p.m. – Talk ‘N Text vs. Alaska