RAIN or Shine aims to move closer to its immediate target when it takes on a Phoenix Super LPG crew going all out for a breakout win Tuesday in the PBA Governors' Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Should the Elasto Painters repeat over the Fuel Masters, they would jack their Group B-leading record to 5-1 and move them within another win of realizing the goal set by coach Yeng Guiao.
"Kailangan namin ng six wins so pag nanalo kami we feel one foot inside the door na kami sa quarterfinals," said Guiao. "We look at it that way. Kumbaga ang importante lang makarating kami ng next round ng the sooner, the better."
Tournament format calls for the top four teams from each of the two groups advancing to the crossover quarterfinals following the 10-game intragroup eliminations.
Guiao knows the task has been cut out for his team, notwithstanding Phoenix's 0-5 slate and Rain or Shine's 116-99 conquest of the Fuel Masters the first time they met.
"We are cautious in our approach to the Phoenix game kasi tinalo namin iyan wala silang import pero nahirapan pa rin kami. Nu'ng bandang huli lang kami nakalayo," explained Guiao.
"Now they have a good import. They've been struggling, yes. But I think their import is also just making the adjustments. By Tuesday he must be better adjusted to the team and our style of play so we will have a harder time putting together a win against Phoenix this time."
Indeed, Brandone Francis has been one bright spot for Phoenix, averaging 39 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in the two games he has played.
And even without an import Phoenix put up a tough stand in their Aug. 30 matchup, racing to an early 12-point lead before battling back from a couple of 20-point deficits to threaten within 86-91 in the final quarter. Good thing for Rain or Shine it still had plenty left for one decisive finishing kick.
"We had a hard time against them before. Now their import is getting to know their team better so ang tingin namin mas mahirap itong laro na ito," stated Guiao.
Although wary, the E-Painters' confidence has been boosted by the fact that Caelan Tiongson, their primary import-stopper who sat out a 112-113 loss to San Miguel Beer last Thursday due to an illness, is now back in harness.
"Sa amin that's the best thing that could happen to us, having our import matchup taken care of," noted Guiao before also citing another rookie in Felix Lemetti, still fresh from a 28-point performance against SMB.
"The important thing is, he's already comfortable and blended na with the team. He's not the kind of person who will force his game, eh," offered Guiao. "Kung nandoon iyung opensa niya, walang problema. Matalino iyan, malalaman niya iyon.
"Pero kung hindi naman, he can always go back to his point guard chores, which is making the rest of his teammates look better." (NC)
Comments