ELASTO PAINTERS, MIXERS CLASH IN EARLY GRUDGE MATCH
The Gilas Pilipinas’ glow is still upon everybody as the 2013 PBA Governors Cup fires off Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters declared they ready to battle while the San Mig Coffee Mixers said they would find a way to battle.
The title protagonists in this tourney last year, the Elasto Painters and the Mixers are pitted in an early rematch, clashing at 7:30 p.m. in the venue that was filled to the rafters for 11 straight days during the course of the FIBA Asia Championship.
“In the aftermath of the Gilas glow, it’s hard to put that away and get focused on our own stuff. But we’ll find a way. Hopefully, we’ll live up to their wonderful play,” said San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone.
“As for Rain or Shine, we couldn’t have picked a tougher assignment,” Cone also said.
Cone is allowing Marc Pingris to rest and he’s hopeful returning import Marqus Blakely and James Yap carry the fight for the team.
“We will play without Ping (Marc Pingris) who we will allow to heal and refresh from his warrior-like Gilas stint, and we will certainly miss him. But with Marqus in tow and a healthy James (Yap), we feel we can hold the fort until Ping’s return in about a week,” said Cone.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, now the carrying the tag the coaching congressman from Pampanga, declared they’re ready to defend their crown.
“Our chances are really good. We will try to give our Gilas players some rest whenever we can but winning is still the top priority,” said Guiao.
“Our import is well adapted to the local conditions and I also expect him to step up in the time when we spell our Gilas players,” Guiao also said.
Arizona Reid is returning to the RoS fold after his stint with the Asian Coating Inc. franchise in the 2011 Commissioner’s Cup where he emerged the Best Import.
The Elasto Painters and the Mixers fought through the full distance of a best-of-seven titular duel last season.
Rain or Shine got away with a breakthrough triumph in the pro league in repulsing San Mig Coffee (then playing under the banner of B-Meg), 83-76, in Game Seven. (SB)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
