Bolts out to get back on run, Dyip want fun

FOR Meralco, it's about regaining bearing and building up for the playoffs.

For Terrafirma, it's about gaining some more measure of pride and respect heading to the exit.

The Bolts and the Dyip take on each other in their final game in the PBA Governors' Cup elimination round, with the former eyeing a closing 7-3 win-loss record and the latter a 2-8 mark.

They battle at 7:30 p.m. in a Saturday bill at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium - the second to the last playdate in the double-round elims phase in both Groups A and B.

At 6-3, the Bolts are assured of spot in the playoffs but can no longer bump off the TNT Tropang Giga (7-2) in pole position in Group A.

Terrafirma, meanwhile, has been a goner in the group, but the Dyip brim with a desire to take the exit on a winning note.

On Thursday, coach Johnedel Cardel and his troops ended their losing spell in the tourney with an 84-72 shocker over the Tropang Giga.

They pulled off the TNT reversal with the injury-hit Christian Standhardinger confined on the bench and import Antonio Hester sitting out the homestretch with an injured hand.

Stanley Pringle showed vintage form in leading the Dyip out of a slump.

"We had two close games. We should've won those two games but we stayed positive, kept pushing and we came out with a win," said Pringle.

"Everybody got frustrated as we kept losing. But after a while, we were just like, hey, we're losing, we might as well have fun. Keep working hard but at the same time, have fun. You know, be positive. And the coaches led by coach John helped us with that," Pringle also said.

And it would be more fun for the Dyip if they score a follow-up on their TNT upset. (SB)