Meralco needs to move on quickly after heartbreaking Game 2 loss, says Trillo

Meralco coach Luigi Trillo. Photo from PBA Images

MANILA — The Meralco Bolts were in a good position to put up a 2-0 series lead over the San Miguel Beermen in Game 2 of the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Chris Banchero hit a tough three-pointer to extend their lead to four with only 26 seconds remaining and his shot looked like it would be the dagger into the hearts of the Beermen.

Unfortunately, Marcio Lassiter and CJ Perez had other plans, and they each hit three-pointers in the end game to overtake the Bolts and make it a virtual best-of-five clash for the All-Filipino crown.

READ: Lassiter hits game-winning trey as San Miguel overcomes Meralco to tie Finals series

Meralco coach Luigi Trillo wants his players to recover quickly from the heartbreaking loss, especially with the short turnaround from Game 2 to Game 3.

"These types of games, you have to move on. Quick goodbye, then focus lang kami," he said right after he exited their dugout in the Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts' frontline was able to limit June Mar Fajardo, as he only scored 17 points on top of 13 rebounds and three blocks, despite playing 44 minutes. But it was SMB's advantage in points off turnovers (26-18) and fastbreak points (20-12) that mattered the most in their close encounter.

"I thought we played good enough that we could've won this game and be up 2-0, but talagang may mga ganun eh. Masakit talaga," said Trillo.

On the other hand, what Meralco needs to focus on instead, according to Trillo, is how they can correct their errors, which allowed San Miguel to tally nine steals against them.

"We have to see the video also. At this point, we have to be clinical and not critical," emphasized the one-time PBA champion coach.

"Kailangan mapanood namin yung videos, tignan namin kung saan yung mga breakdowns. We had 17 turnovers, and they outscored us in turnover points and fast break points. We didn't play that well, and makikita namin yun sa video," he continued. 

And another takeaway from this game, said Coach Luigi, is how they need to play as close as possible to perfection if they want to finish the job against the mighty SMB.

"We're not gonna sweep San Miguel. Every game, you want to bring your A-game. You wanna fight, have less breakdowns," he shared.

"We'll respond on Sunday. We'll be clinical rather than critical at this point para ma-clean up namin yung mga mali," Trillo ended. 

READ: After 'good' Game 2 win, Lassiter says more adjustments needed for SMB