Meralco’s Allen Malksi (left) takes a shot against Magnolia guard Paul Lee. PBA picture
Norman Black is not the only member of Meralco who thinks Bolt has what it takes to rewrite a repetitive PBA Governors Cup script.
Allen Malksi is just as optimistic.
The 6-foot-3 wing had 24 points to decide their 94-81 game 5 win against Magnolia in their semifinal showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum late Friday night.
The win sets off a championship showdown for the final crown of the season against defending champions Barange Geneva. And anyone familiar with the recent history of the season-ending tournament knows that this is nothing new – The Jean Kings and Bolt have squared off three times in the last four stages of the Governors Cup.
Genebra won all those double battles.
Meralco, however, is sure that this time the results will change.
“I am positive that this time is going to be a different story. We just have to prepare thoroughly for Meralco to win the first championship, ”said Malksi.
His optimism echoes that of Black, who said, “I like my chances this time.”
Efficient
Against Magnolia, Malcolm would have preferred it if he had chosen from his skillful Game 5 performance, where he has converted nine of his 13 after fighting in previous games against the Hot Shots defense.
“Ever since we started playing them, they have always been physical. They were always out to deny me the ball as much as possible. I was really limited, “said Maliksey.
“But I told myself I would find a way to stay open. I was just thankful that Coach Norman and my teammates trusted me, involved me to get my touch and enable me to penetrate, gave me the opportunity to play like in my previous game where I stood, waiting for the ball. Come on. “
It’s basically Malcolm’s checklist because he goes to another showdown with Jean Kings.
“It will be harder,” he said of the crowd loved ones. “You see (Justin) Brownlee ৭ 46 points in a closeout game. Scotty (Thompson) is playing very well and is in the running for the best player of the conference. “
“They are a whole team. They (Christians) grew up with standhardings. We’re glad they’re without Stanley (Pringle), but Jeff (Chan) and even Narad (Pinto) are contributing. It’s still quite a lineup, “he added. “Oh and they have [coach] Tim Cone, as well. “
But the Bolts believe they can surprise.
“We will do everything we can to prepare. Hopefully, we can do a snatch on them, “said Maliksi. INQ
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