After a tremendous effort that has carried them all the way to the top, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters would be sorry to lose this one.
The Elasto Painters are a win away from an outright semifinal berth, and they go for it versus the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in the penultimate playdate of the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
“All the hard work and effort we put in our last six wins will mean nothing if we don’t win (against Ginebra),” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
“We won’t be lacking in motivation but Ginebra would certainly like to spoil our celebration. They’ve recovered from their skid and they will try to build their momentum for the quarters. We hope our lucky streak holds up against them,” Guiao also said.
The E-Painters play one last game in the elims that will decide whether they automatically make the semis or need to go through the quarterfinals.
The Kings set out for this game with their coming quarterfinals grind in mind.
Coach Jeff Cariaso and his team hope to nail a win that could give them good vibes going to the quarters. Cariaso is also thinking about the seedings.
“It’s a big game for both of us with regards to placing,” said Cariaso.
“We need to be great in our transition defense. They will push and push and push. Rain or Shine scores quickly off misses, made baskets and turnovers. And no matter what, (the game against Rain or Shine) will prepare us for the playoffs,” Cariaso also said.
Ginebra has just checked a three-game slump with a 101-92 drubbing of Alaska on Tuesday.
It’s a key win that guaranteed the Kings of a spot in the Top Six and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.
Ginebra has been on a roller-coaster ride, sporting a 6-4 record going to its match versus RoS.
Hoping for a Ginebra win are Alaska and Talk n Text.
Losses by Rain or Shine and San Miguel Beer in their closing games in the elims enable Alaska and Talk n Text to steal the automatic semis berths. (SB)
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