EXPRESS SNIPERS, DUNIGAN WORRY E-PAINTERS, GUIAO
COACH Yeng Guiao knows his Rain or Shine team got a couple of breaks their last time out.
Things could be drastically different Wednesday when the Elasto Painters tangle with Air21 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A win by Rain or Shine in the 5:15 p.m. encounter would follow up its 93-65 shellacking of San Mig Coffee last Friday and run its streak to three, while a reversal by Air21 would snap it out of a two-game slide.
The E-Painters could have their hands full, however, especially if Guiao’s worst fears come true.
“Air21 is a very dangerous team, having lost two close games,” said Guiao, referring to the Express’ defeats to Talk N Text and Barako Bull by an average of only 4.0 points.
“We just have to regroup and bounce back stronger,” said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren.
Guiao’s main concern is Air21 reinforcement Michael Dunigan, who is averaging 25.0 points and 15.0 rebounds through three games.
“To my mind he is arguably one of the better imports,” noted Guiao. “He is very capable of coming up with a 20-20 performance and he should be a matchup problem for us since our locals are too small for him and he is definitely quicker than our import.”
Against San Mig, the Rain or Shine defenders were able to sag on Mixers import Denzel Bowles since shooters James Yap and PJ Simon were not able to make their outside shots.
Air21 could be a different story.
“They have good outside shooters in KG Canaleta, Mike Cortez and Ren-Ren Ritualo,” pointed out Guiao. “If they make their outside shots then we can’t afford to double on Dunigan.”
Bruno Sundov has been effective thus far for Rain or Shine with 21.3 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, averages that were pulled down by his 14 and 11 in limited action against San Mig.
Guiao said the 7-2 Croatian should exert extra effort in rebounding to negate Air21’s transition offense and help out on Dunigan.
“Local siguro ang itatapat namin kay Dunigan at nakasapin si Sundov,” said Guiao.
There are other areas the rest of the E-Painters must bear in mind. Aside from Jeff Chan, who will miss his third straight game due to a fractured left thumb, TY Tang will also most likely sit out the game.
“TY hasn’t practiced with us the past two days,” related Guiao. “Parang may flu.” (NC)
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