QF INCENTIVE FOR E-PAINTERS, SURVIVAL FOR ENERGY COLA
With a crack at a twice-to-beat advantage, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vow not to let it go.
“Importante yon. We’re a win away from a playoff for that crucial advantage. We’ll go for it versus Barako Bull,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao on the eve of their penultimate game in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations versus the Energy Cola Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While the Elasto Painters try to firm up their hold onto second spot, the Energy Cola attempt to catch up with the Air21 Express at eighth place as Rain or Shine and Barako Bull tangle in the 7:30 p.m. mainer of the fourth to the last playdate of the elims.
If the E-Painters are able to bounce back from their harrowing loss to the Alaska Aces the last time out, they assure themselves of a playoff shot at second spot at the close of the elims plays.
At 8-4, Rain or Shine has Petron Blaze (7-5) as the only remaining competitor for No. 2. The E-Painters automatically clinch it if they sweep their last two games versus the Energy Cola and the Meralco Bolts.
Alaska put a lock on No. 1 position with its 102-93 drubbing of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Wednesday night at the Big Dome.
“We have two concerns with Barako Bull. First, we know their import DJ Mbenga can play a lot better than their last outing. Second, if he can play well at the post, our problem becomes more serious because Barako is a good three-point shooting team,” said Guiao.
“They’ve become a real balanced team. But we’ve got a defensive preparation and hopefully it works,” Guiao added.
On the offensive end, the RoS coach believes they will be okay if they can go to the open court.
“We have the advantage speed-wise. As long as we’re running and in transition, we’ll be the better team. So we’ll keep pushing,” he said.
The E-Painters should’ve been assured of a tie for second place if not for their meltdown versus the Aces Friday, squandering a 22-point lead in an 84-89 heartbreaker.
Meanwhile, Mbenga huffed and puffed in a 14-point PBA debut and the Energy Cola stayed in a precarious situation after a 77-88 loss to the Petron Blaze Boosters Sunday.
“We really know that he can play better than that. Being here in the last few days, baka naka-acclimatize na yan sa kanyang team at Philippine weather. We expect him to be a serious threat at the post,” said Guiao.
Barako Bull needs to sweep its last two games to have a shot at the last quarters berth.
Air21 completes the eight-team quarters roster if it hurdles Petron Blaze Sunday and Barako loses one of its last two assignments. (SB)
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