E-PAINTERS FACE DANGEROUS CARNIVAL WITH EYE ON NO. 1
With a chance to snag one of the two twice-to-beat advantages in time for the playoffs, Rain or Shine will be bracing for the challenge of a dangerous Kia side on Sunday at the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Playing in the final game of their elims schedule, the Elasto Painters can claim the top spot with a win over the Carnival and continue their winning streak before the playoffs begin.
À Elasto Painters are currently carrying a 7-3 record, and a win would tie them with Purefoods and possibly Talk ‘N Text. If that happens, Rain or Shine will take the number one spot in the playoffs due to their superior quotient over the two teams.
However, coach Yeng Guiao is wary of the threat posed by Kia, which will be bannered for one final time by its towering import PJ Ramos.
“Kia is a different team now than it was last conference. They’re giant killers and I think they still have a chance to make it to the next round,” he said.
At 4-6, Kia can still make it to the playoffs and wind up as the eighth seed.
Learning from the defeats of San Miguel, Purefoods, Talk ‘N Text, and Alaska, all former champions in the last three years, the fiery coach is reminding his wards to never let their guard down against Kia.
“Its going to be like playing any of the top teams. I guess they’ve earned that respect. You’re not going to be complacent or confident playing them,” said Guiao.
And Guiao sees PJ Ramos as the main problem which they must face on Sunday.
“We will have our matchup problems as nobody in our lineup will be as big and as strong as Ramos. But we’ll try to devise something to stop him.”
Game time is at 3:00 p.m. (RL)
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