Mark Cardona, Marlou Aquino and Chris Ross are key pieces to the Meralco Bolts team. But Coach Ryan Gregorio is not counting on them.

The trio are sidelined by various injuries that will take time to heal.

Gregorio said he wouldn’t wait for them to get healthy. The PBA Governors’ Cup is a short tournament and every game is crucial.

“All the games must be played with playoff intensity and mentality. You couldn’t wait for your injured players to heal. Instead, you make do with what you have. Squeeze out the best in them and pray that they deliver,” Gregorio declared.

The Bolts overcame their deficiencies in their opening game last Sunday, stunning the powerhouse Petron Blaze Boosters, 105-100.

The Meralco coach readily admitted that the win was “far beyond expectations” and hailed the gallant efforts of his troops, particularly reserve forward Mark Isip, who assumed the offensive load and finished with a game-high 28 points on 12-of-18 shooting, import Champ Oguchi (26 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks) for his dominating presence, and the leadership of Sol Mercado (23

points, 7 assists).

“We were unperturbed and found ways to win despite the loss of personnel due to injuries,” Gregorio said.

Gregorio hopes the Bolts could build on the Petron victory as they attempt to earn a piece of the early lead when they face the Alaska Aces on Saturday in the PBA-Phoenix Fuel on Tour at the Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Nothing comes easy against the Aces and Gregorio very well knows it.

Alaska’s 75-101 blowout loss at the hands of grand slam seeking Talk N’ Text Sunday only intensifies the Aces’ resolve to make up for their poor showing and get on the winning track.

“Alaska is one of the seeded teams this conference and I’m sure that they would bounce back strong after their loss against TNT. That makes them even more dangerous,” Gregorio said.

He is confident though that his chargers will respond well to the challenge.

“We will again try to be creative and snatch an upset win. Nothing less than the same intensity [against Petron] is required from everyone if we want to win,” Gregorio said. (DBC)