San Miguel def Meralco, 111-101 [Finals Game 4 | PBA S48 PH Cup | June 12, 2024]

The Meralco Bolts have twice been in a 2-1 lead in best-of-seven finals and found themselves beaten in the end.

In both occasions, they were foiled in their attempt to get to 3-1. And that’s how hard and elusive getting a first PBA crown for the Bolts.

But coach Luigi Trillo is hopeful the current batch of the Meralco Bolts can play better and go over the hump.

Already in a breakthrough run, the Bolts seek to break more barriers and gain that pivotal 3-1 lead versus the San Miguel Beermen in the resumption of their PBA Philippine Cup title face-off Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We know this team (San Miguel), they’re very capable of coming back and we know they’ve been down before. As for us, we believe we can play better… We’ll be ready (for Game 4),” said Trillo, determined to steer the Bolts to a follow-up to their 93-89 triumph in Game 3 Sunday.

Tip off is at 7:30 p.m.

But the Bolts are realistic it wouldn’t be easy. In fact, there’s been no easy game in the series.

“You’re going up against San Miguel, who’s the best team of the decade and they’re playoffs-ready. They’ve been through a lot of series so it’s going to be tough to go up 3-1 against them. They’re going to be hungry,” said Chris Newsome.