BACK TO RIPPING THE CORDS
With his team struggling through the first half of the single-round eliminations, Jeff Chan knows one misstep can have serious repercussions in Rain or Shine’s playoff chances.
No wonder, the pride of Bacolod City started heating up last week.
Reminded by coach Yeng Guiao to put on his shooter’s mentality, Chan did just that, firing 12 points, grabbing five rebounds, issuing three assists and adding two steals in an efficient 16-minute effort to contribute to Rain or Shine’s resounding 123-85 win over woeful Blackwater.
The former Far Eastern University stalwart continued with his all-around brilliance on Saturday, wowing his kababayans from Bacolod City with his near double-double effort of 10 points and nine rebounds in 29 minutes as Rain or Shine clobbered Talk ‘N Text, 87-72 in a road game for its first back-to-back wins of the conference.
The victory was sweet revenge for the Elasto Painters, who lost to the Tropang Texters in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals that went the distance.
Chan said his eight-week layoff enabled him to recover fully from a torn right plantar fascia, which forced him to miss the Governors Cup’s first four games.
The left-handed Gilas Pilipinas mainstay said more than just his scoring, what’s important is for Rain or Shine to regain its rhythm, considering that the Elasto Painters opened the conference by uncharacteristically losing four of their first five games.
“Ngayong kumpleto na kami, ang importante eh makuha namin yung rhythm namin,” said Chan, who earned the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week citation.
More importantly, Rain or Shine forged a three-way tie for seventh spot with defending champion Star Hotshots and Talk ‘N Text at 3-4, enhancing its bid for a top eight finish.
Though Rain or Shine has a very slim chance of making the top four, which offers a twice-to-beat incentive heading to the playoffs, Guiao’s charges will try to best to sweep their four remaining assignments in the eliminations.
Rain or Shine faces back-against-the-wall NLEX on Wednesday, followed by Star on Saturday, before going up against KIA (June 17) and Meralco (June 21). (RD)
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