RAIN or Shine has lost Game Two of the PBA Governors Cup Finals, and is even in danger of being without its best local player for the rest of the best-of-seven title series.
Yet, the Elasto Painters led by their fearless, tough-talking coach, are not about to lose their swagger.
“There are five games left and we are not discouraged,” a cool Yeng Guiao declared in the post-game interview following an 80-85 loss to the B-Meg Llamados on Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum that tied their championship series at one game apiece.
“We will win this series with or without Pau Lee.”
Lee, the Rain or Shine super rookie, left the game for good after aggravating his dislocated left shoulder when he tried to swipe the ball away from B-Meg’s Peter June Simon.
The year’s No. 2 rookie pick appeared to have extended his hurting shoulder just before he fell down to the floor writhing in pain with the Elasto Painters trailing, 74-79, with two minutes and 22 seconds left in the tightly fought game.
He failed to return to the ballgame and had to be taken out of the floor in a stretcher on the way to the Rain or Shine dugout. Lee was later brought to the Cardinal Santos hospital for examination.
Guiao believes the former University of the East stalwart is doubtful for the rest of the series.
“Am not sure what his situation or status is, but from the looks of it, it looks serious,” said Guiao forlornly.
But the Rain or Shine mentor said they won’t use the injury to Lee as an escape goat for their loss.
“We have no excuse and we will not complain,” he added.
And then came the bombshell.
“Tim Cone asked for help from the refs, and he got a lot in this game,” said Guiao as he mocked the B-Meg coach. Cone had earlier complained about the physicality of Rain or Shine's play during the series opener on Sunday, saying the referees should "help us out in terms of controlling the game."
“We will just go back to practice and prepare for the next game,” said Guiao before excusing himself.
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