GREAT TO BE ON WINNING END THIS TIME
After having gone through being swept by Talk ‘N Text in the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals last year, Rain or Shine import Wayne Chism was just happy to score a win in the Final Four this time out.
“It was good because last year, I was 0-3. To take the first punch is great to feel,” he said.
And as the Elasto Painters take a 1-0 series lead over Meralco going into the Holy Week break, Chism was satisfied that his squad came together in the end game to score a 99-86 Game 1 victory.
“We just stayed together at the end of the game. They had great runs, but we stayed together as team, took care of the glass, and we came out with the win,” he explained.
Though he had 18 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks, Chism said that he doesn’t mind taking a backseat to his teammates in the homestretch of the conference.
“I feel like my team can contribute. It’s a great thing for us in the playoffs because if we’re just going to rely on me, we won’t make it too far. If we rely on each other and help each other out, the team can go very far this conference,” Chism quipped,
All but one of the 15 men fielded in by coach Yeng Guiao was able to score, which translated to a 50-27 spread in bench points.
Chism also noted that the five-day break won’t stop him from going to the gym and grinding it out while the league is in a lull.
“I can’t dial it down. That’s something I can’t do for the team,” he said.
And as he waits for his next chance to take the court, Chism said that he expects all the emotions to come out in the next games against Meralco.
“The series is young. The first game, we just drew the first blood. Now, when it comes to the last two games, it’s gonna be a very long night,” he said. (RL)
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