Phoenix, Rain or Shine fight for survival
It’s not just a fight for a playoff berth.
Rain or Shine fights to extend a winning tradition while Phoenix Petroleum seeks a breakthrough in its second conference in the pro league as the two teams face off for the last ticket to the PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game time is at 7 p.m. with the winner gaining the right to challenge elims topnotcher TNT KaTropa in the quarterfinals.
“Phoenix is a complete team with arguably the most prolific import. It’s capable of beating any team in the league, but we are determined to salvage at least a quarterfinals appearance,” said coach Yeng Guiao whose E-Painters are the only team that has made at least the Final Four of each of the last nine PBA conferences.
“I don’t think we are ready to take a vacation this early. We are just getting our rhythm lately so the longer we stay alive the better we will play,” added Guiao, confident they would stay alive and still contend for another crown after their Commissioner’s Cup title run.
The Fuel Masters are pitted against the E-Painters in a do-or-die setto after dropping their last two games in the single-round-robin elims.
“We are thankful that God gave us so many chances to advance. We must collectively not let this slip away,” said Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia.
From their Barako Bull days, JC Intal, Willy Wilson and their teammates have been longing for respect and recognition.
Vanguardia said his players have a good chance to show their worth against Rain or Shine.
“I’m challenging the leaders of the team to step up and assume responsibility. Rain or Shine is tough and experienced but we are the hungrier team and we have to show that on the floor,” Vanguardia pointed out.
With their rich playoff experience, the E-Painters should be the odds-on pick versus the Fuel Masters.
Another thing going with them is the fact that Josh Dollard has gotten a lot more practices with his teammates.
In his second game in his PBA comeback, Dollard churned out 27 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and one steal to help ROS to 108-97 win over the Star Hotshots that gave the E-Painters a playoff crack versus Phoenix.
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