GUIAO-LESS E-PAINTERS TRY TO HALT TEXTERS’ RUN
Coach Yeng Guiao is out of the country, and Rain or Shine will just bank on its tried-and-tested system as it takes its turn to try and stop the Talk n Text rampage at the resumption of the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
Assistant coach Caloy Garcia takes over the reins as the Elasto Painters seek a follow-up on their stirring win on Wayne Chism’s debut game with the team.
The TnT-RoS tiff is set at 8 p.m.
Chism, a replacement to Alex McLean, put up decent numbers enough to inspire the E-Painters who blasted the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 99-75, on March 31.
“Coach Caloy will call the shots for the next two games. We will be okay as long as they run coach Yeng’s system,” said Rain or Shine co-team owner Raymond Yu.
Yu is also hopeful of an even better showing from import Chism in his second game in the local pro loop.
Chism will definitely be up for a tough test against Richard Howell, who is easily the steadiest import in town averaging hulking numbers of 23.14 points and 21.14 rebounds.
The Texters are already assured of playoffs top seeding but they’re not thinking of slowing it down in their last two games in the elims lest they lose momentum and competitive edge.
“We want to stay on a roll going into the playoffs,” said Talk n Text coach Norman Black.
“Rain or Shine is a good team so it will be a good match-up. The keys are to keep them off the boards and limit their three-point shooting,” Black also said.
At 3-3, Rain or Shine is still fighting for position in the post-elims play.
The Elasto Painters have a tough closing grind, facing the Tropang Texters Wednesday, the Air21 Express Saturday and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings on April 20.
The target is a place in the Top Six to avoid a quarterfinal pairing with a twice-to-beat advantage. (SB)
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