E-PAINTERS FAVORED IN QF DUEL VS KINGS
Rain or Shine has the upper hand versus Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in their recent duels. And their twice-to-beat advantage as second seeds just makes the Elasto Painters the overwhelming favorites against the Kings.
The E-Painters, however, would be the last to count the Kings out.
“Ginebra is always a dangerous foe,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao on the eve of their faceoff in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay Saturday.
“We worked hard to get the No. 2 ranking, and we still need to work hard or harder to get past Ginebra,” Guiao added.
Guiao said the key for them is to be able to play their game and keep the Ginebra fans – Ginebra’s virtual Sixth Man – from getting involved in the match.
In terms of manpower, Rain or Shine looks well to have the edge owing to its healthy lineup. And Guiao said it’s no secret that they want to push the ball hard.
In their elims meeting, RoS import Bruno Sundov sat out long minutes and failed to finish the game due to fouls, but Rain or Shine’s locals stuck together and squeezed out a 96-93 win.
The Kings will be without Mark Caguioa and Billy Mamaril is a question mark as they try to force a do-or-die game with the E-Painters in their quarters matchup.
Ginebra filled some gaps in its lineup in striking a deal with Barako Bull, acquiring streak-shooting guard Josh Urbiztondo just before the trading deadline lapsed.
Still, the Kings face a job cut out for them versus the same team that showed them the door in the Philippine Cup quarters.
Among the league’s top performers as of late, Guiao and his troops are in chase of a third straight Finals appearance.
The Kings, meanwhile, are after a Cinderella run under coach Alfrancis Chua. (SB)
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