STRETCHING THE RUN
After struggling early in the conference, Rain or Shine knew it had to make a run for a chance to make it to the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs.
So the Elasto Painters went on a three-game winning streak to even its record to 4-4.
“It sets us up in a better place in the standings. We had problems with chemistry at the start of the conference but Wendell (McKines) has been blending with his teammates,” ROS coach Yeng Guiao said.
McKines has slowly gotten the hang of Guiao’s system, and that has definitely paid dividends.
“He has gotten to know his teammates a bit better and we’ve gotten to know him too. We’re a bit more cohesive,” said Guiao.
And on Saturday, the fiery mentor is hoping to extend that streak to four when Rain or Shine renews its rivalry against Star.
Just to make things interesting, the Hotshots want what the E-Painters achieved, a three-game winning run after finally stringing back-to-back Ws this conference, with their latest a Manila Clasico victory over Barangay Ginebra, 89-82.
Coach Tim Cone noted the change of attitude due to the much needed sense of urgency his team has been lacking after Star fell to the bottom four midway in the conference.
“We’ve been doing a lot well in practice. We created offense from defense and that’s always been our way. I hope the guys are buying on it again,” Cone said.
At 3-4, Star still can make a late run to the quarterfinals. And if they’re lucky, the Hotshots can still sneak in and grab one of the top four spots which comes with the twice-to-beat advantage.
Cone said, “Every game is like a playoff game. I hope we can get ourselves back in the horse race.”
But only one team can come away with the victory and extend its streak.
Game time is at 5:15 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. (RL)
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