TAKING THE LEAD
MUCH more than solo leadership awaits Rain or Shine and GlobalPort when they collide Saturday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Each team is looking for a second victory in as many outings, but more important is the boost in morale and confidence it would bring to either one.
For Rain or Shine, a follow-up victory to its 79-75 conquest of San Mig Coffee last Wednesday could very well set the tone for its title-retention bid.
GlobalPort, on the other hand, is looking to duplicate its two-win total the last conference and from there see if it could go on to make the playoffs for the first time in its young history.
The Elasto Painters should be a good barometer, according to Batang Pier head coach Junel Baculi.
“Great challenge for us to play the defending champions. A test, really, if we are to gauge our team for this conference. Defense will be vital,” said Baculi, whose team beat Air21, 101-94, also on opening day.
Really, GlobalPort may have to go through more anxious moments this time.
Arizona Reid should prove to be a handful for GlobalPort’s defenders, going 0-for-4 from beyond the arc but still winding up with 28 points, mostly on putbacks, medium jumpers and drives, to go with 20 rebounds and five assists in his first game back for Rain or Shine.
Also, after getting some well-earned rest and not being utilized in Rain or Shine’s first game, Gilas Pilipinas heroes Gabe Norwood and Jeff Chan are set to see – albeit limited – action Saturday.
“Jeff and Gabe will play limited minutes tomorrow,” said E-Painters coach Yeng Guiao. “GlobalPort is highly improved and dangerous. We don’t want to keep gambling with the resting of (our) Gilas players. We have to start blending Jeff and Gabe with the rest of the team.”
GlobalPort’s own national player, Gary David, to his new-look team that features seven new players and first-time import Markeith Cummings is what Baculi also wants and the perennial scoring champion is also expected to be fielded.
David drawing the defense should help Cummings. The 24-year-old debuted with 37 points and 11 rebounds against Air21, but Baculi himself admitted the element of surprise will no longer work for the broad-shouldered banger from Kennesaw State.
“I’m sure the other teams have already scouted him so we continue to work and give him tools for him to get ready for what lies ahead,” said Baculi.
“Their import was impressive in his first game. We are finding ways to defend him,” said Guiao. (NC)
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