Bol, Tropa eye third win versus Bolts

MANILA, Philippines — Defensive-minded Meralco takes its turn to try and stop surging Bol Bol and TNT in a livewire PBA Commissioner’s Cup Tuesday gig at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The 7-foot-3 Bol has been balling for the Tropang 5G, logging averages of 37.33 points and 16.33 rebounds as the defending champions won two in a row after an opening stumble in the mid-season tournament.

In their last game prior to the Lenten break, Bol gave powerhouse San Miguel Beer the blues with a 34-point, 18-rebound game that propelled his squad to a 118-92 massacre.

And the scary thing is, the tall and long center with guard-like skills and fine shooting touch has yet to fully adjust to both the TNT and the PBA brand of play.

“I’m getting used to the physicality and getting my teammates involved and I think that’s what got us the last two wins,” said Bol.

“I think we’re getting there (chemistry with teammates). It was just a little bit hard the first game (but) after three games I’m getting used to them and they’re getting used to playing with me.”

Bol’s mission in Asia’s first play-for-play league is clear.

“I’m not worried about my game individually as long as we keep on stacking wins because that’s what’s most important,” he said.

Tasked with the primary chore of containing the fancied TNT reinforcement is Meralco counterpart Marvin Jones with support from the likes of Raymond Almazan, Brandon Bates and even Cliff Hodge.

Notes: Rain or Shine has set a jersey retirement ceremony for Gabe Norwood, who hung up his sneakers last January after 17 years with the franchise. As a tribute, the Elasto Painters said Norwood’s No. 5 jersey will be retired during halftime of their game against Converge on Friday at the MOA Arena....In celebration of the league’s 51st anniversary, tickets for tomorrow’s doubleheader at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium will be given for free. Fans can avail of the special promo on a first-come, first-served basis. Aside from free tickets, live audience will also have a chance to receive basketball, t-shirts and other freebies courtesy of league sponsors.