RAIN or Shine's big heart - as exemplified by import Aaron Fuller who's playing through a scratched cornea - has put the Elasto Painters into prime position to grab a seat in the PBA Governors' Cup semifinals.
And with quarterfinal rival Magnolia expected to give them hell in Tuesday's potential clincher in Game 4 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Fuller and his equally gritty local teammates need this "warrior" traits once more as they eye the kill shot in this rough and bloody best-of-five quarterfinal series.
Coach Yeng Guiao's youth-laden charges passed their test of character in their nail biting 111-106 overtime victory in Game 3 Sunday in Antipolo City, bouncing back after a deflating 52-point beating in the previous match and overcoming Fuller's injury plus wild endgame battle with the Hotshots for a pivotal 2-1 lead.
"Natutuwa ako na we were able to hold our emotions and play through the endgame," said Guiao.
"Beteranong-beterano na itong Magnolia, eh. They've been through a lot of battles like this so para talunin mo sila sa isang dikdikang laban sa endgame, ibig sabihin medyo matibay ka na rin na pang-endgame. 'Yun gusto namin, ang ma-experience namin lahat ng klaseng sitwasyon for our young team to develop."
Fuller, who sustained an eye injury from a poke by Ian Sangalang in the first quarter of Game 2, provided much inspiration when he unexpectedly returned for duty in the Game 3 tiebreaker. He dished out a 29-point, 11-rebound, three-assist effort highlighted by a nine-point outing and made the big plays in extra time.
"Akala nga namin hindi maglalaro. Eh Warrior nga ito eh. We're very lucky we have Aaron and I guess 'yung lakas ng loob na pinakita niya, malaking bagay sa laro namin ngayon. Kaya hanggang huli talagang binibigay namin lahat para hindi masayang 'yung effort ni Aaron kahit na may problema siya sa mata," said Guiao, who advised Fuller to wear goggles as protection against more "eye-poking" but the latter declined, saying it would be uncomfortable.
Guiao and Co. try to carry out their closeout plans versus the beleaguered Hotshots at 5 p.m. (OL)
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