Despite playing shorthanded, Meralco managed to grab an early 4-1 lead in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
With Meralco's key players hit by injuries, it was somewhat expected that the Bolts would struggle in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
So far, it has been the opposite.
Meralco piled three straight victories for a 4-1 record that was good for solo lead in Group A play.
This despite playing sans Aaron Black (meniscus), Allein Maliksi (knee injury), Raymond Almazan (knee) and Cliff Hodge (back).
[WATCH: Injury-riddled Meralco's 3rd quarter surge leads to 3rd straight win over Converge | PBA Highlights]
Asked what made the difference for the Bolts in their first five matches in the import-spiced conference, head coach Luigi Trillo said active consultant Nenad Vucinic built Meralco to weather storms such as this.
“Coach Nenad has been leading us; it’s his system. I noticed with him when he came in, he always likes to give everybody a chance. We get our other guys ready,” Trillo said.
“We don’t get days off with them. Sometimes, we push those guys that don’t get many minutes, and it shows. They're ready to play. Just belief on them.”
That could not be any truer on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Anjo Caram, Alvin Pasaol step up as Meralco thrashes Converge for 3rd straight win]
Bench players Anjo Caram, Alvin Pasaol, and Jolo Mendoza stepped up for the undermanned Bolts, leading to a dominant 116-88 win over Converge.
Caram scored 11 of his 16 points in the third quarter surge, while Pasaol and Mendoza contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.
[WATCH: Anjo Caram lights the way as Meralco disconnects Converge | PBA Highlights]
Trillo was no longer surprised with their stellar performances.
“You want to go seven, eight deep. But I think the advantage we have is we believe in our guys. Sometimes that can work with the system we run,” Trillo added.
“We go up and down; we pressure. The length of the games we have, three times a week, and then you’re going to put in the EASL. It’s important that these guys step up.”
At the same time, the amiable mentor praised the sparingly used players for holding the fort until the big dogs return for a major push for the playoffs.
“We’re just trying to get as many good games as we can to hold the fort, so hopefully the other guys can get back. It’s next man up,” he said.
“It’s opportunities for other guys, and they’re taking advantage of it. Kailangang tulung-tulong.”