Bolts, Hotshots battle for solo lead

Games Wednesday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – NLEX vs Alaska

7 p.m. – Star vs Meralco

MANILA, Philippines – Meralco and Star, featuring Alex Stepheson and Ricardo Ratliffe in a marquee import matchup, slug it out for the solo lead at the start of the final week of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Alaska Milk and NLEX clash in the 4:15 p.m. curtain-raiser, with the Aces looking to snap a four-game losing skid to catch up with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at sixth place at 5-4.

Then the Bolts and the Hotshots collide at 7 p.m. in a virtual playoff match for a spot in the Top Two at the close of the one-round-robin eliminations.

Going to the match, the two teams are tightly bunched with Barangay Ginebra (6-2), San Miguel Beer (6-2) and TNT KaTropa (7-3) in a spirited race for the Top Two that reward twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

 “It’s an important game for both teams because a win will move you one step closer to the twice-to-beat advantage. Since Meralco and Star have been winning mainly due to solid defense, my feeling is that good offensive execution will be a big key to pick up a win,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

“It will be a crucial game for both of us. Mental toughness will be a key factor in this game,” said Star coach Chito Victolero.

Star caught up with Meralco in the lead as the Hotshots repulsed the TNT KaTropa Texters, 107-97, while the Bolts bowed to the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 86-94, before the SEABA break.

The Hotshots and Ratliffe marked their reunion with that crucial victory over the Texters.

Obviously, an import who can match up with Stepheson was among those considered by the Hotshots coaching staff in bringing back Ratliffe fresh from his stint in the Korean league.

Ratliffe collected huge numbers with 37 points and 22 rebounds in their disposal of the Texters. He will be pitted Wednesday night against Stepheson who averages 22.3 rebounds, 17.78 points, 1.56 blocks and 1.56 assists.

Victolero anticipates a defensive battle with the Bolts.

“We expect a defensive game since both teams are in the top four on defense and points allowed as the stats show,” said Victolero.

“We need to tighten our defense inside and limit the activity of their import especially in getting the offensive rebounds and second chance points. Perimeter defense is also very important to prevent their guards from penetrating and creating their shots,” Victolero added.

Gilas players Allein Maliksi and Jio Jalalon are back in the Star roster in time for their important tiff with Meralco.

Maliksi (13.29 points) and Jalalon (11.57) along with Paul Lee (11.44) are the Star locals averaging in double digits. Leading scorers among the Meralco locals are Baser Amer (15.89), Jared Dillinger (13.89) and Chris Newsome (12.56).