By REYNALD MAGALLON
While everyone’s attention is on TNT and its Grand Slam chase this season, Meralco is looking to focus and accomplish its own mission – to prove that its Philippine Cup title last year is no fluke.
And Meralco star Chris Newsome knew that there should be no other way to do that than making sure that they defend their crown in the all-Filipino conference.
“We want to defend the crown and show that what we did last year wasn’t just a one-time thing and that we can do it again,” said Newsome after opening their title-retention bid with a 91-89 victory over Converge, Friday, April 4.
“It’s nice to be able to say that we are the defending champs, but we also know that that target is bigger on our back and that people are actually going to be coming for us this conference knowing that we’re the defending champs,” he added.
True enough, Converge went at it against Meralco and even erected an early 20-point lead in the first half before Meralco finally came to its senses in the last two frames to turn the game around.
The Bolts needed a huge fourth quarter explosion for Newsome who poured 11 of his 15 points in the frame – none bigger than the cold-blooded mid-range jumper to win it with 0.8 seconds left on the clock.
While there will be a lot of talks and distractions in their bid to defend the title, Newsome said that the Bolts only need to focus on what they can control and just let the other pieces fall into place.
“I think we’re going to focus on what we can control and that’s ourselves. Whatever narrative that is going to be out there, that’s something that we can’t control,” said Newsome
“We control what we handle in the locker room, how we think and how we interact with one another. And I think that’s more important than any narrative that’s going to be put out there,” he added.
And with teams expected to be motivated in facing them just like what Converge did, Meralco can only come together through ups and downs.
“It all comes down to staying together through the highs and lows and peaking at the right time. But again, I think all we can control is how we interact with one another and our mindset and our chemistry in the locker room,” he added.
