PARADING a team loaded with scorers, coach Yeng Guiao expects Rain or Shine to outgun and outrun Globalport when they tangle in the PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Entering the playoffs as the fourth seed, the E-Painters only need to win once to advance to the semifinals, an opportunity they wouldn’t want to waste the way they did in last summer’s Commissioner’s Cup.
“Nakapaghanda na kami. And what’s important for us is to remember our predicament last conference nung matalo kami,” said Guiao, referring to wasted opportunities in the Commissioner’s Cup when, as twice-to-beat second seeds, the Painters bowed to Barangay Ginebra.
“That should keep us on our toes after losing twice. That’s what’s in our mind tomorrow.”
National tean mainstays Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood lead the Elasto-Painters against the fifth-seeded Batang Pier at 5:15 p.m.
Last conference, Rain or Shine opened the playoffs as the No. 2 team against No. 7 seed Barangay
Ginebra. But the Gin Kings beat the E-Painters twice to advance to the semis phase, eventually, finishing runners-up behind champion Alaska Aces.
Guiao said they have one simple formula to get past the quarterfinals — engage the Batang Pier in a running game and outshoot them in every possession.
“Ang crucial diyan eh yung opensa namin because we know that Globalport is known for their offense. They have Jay Washington, Gary David, Willie Miller and even their import (Markeith Cummings) who are known scorers,” noted the fiery Rain or Shine mentor.
“And since they don’t have a known defensive stopper, we will try to get into transition, get as many quick possessions possible and try to play fast-paced,” he added.
Globalport coach Junel Baculi said defense will enable the Batang Pier to keep their semifinal hopes alive, aware that one loss would mean an early vacation for the young franchise.
“We will be competing with one of the best teams in the league. And so this game will mean their offense versus our defense,” said Baculi, who has steered the rookie franchise to the playoffs for the first time this season.
Baculi hopes Jay Washington’s explosive game last week against Barangay Ginebra will continue against a Rain or Shine squad noted for its rugged defense.
The 6-foot-7 Washington exploded for a career-best 30 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks in leading the Batang Pier to a 113-106 overtime win over the Gin Kings. The victory clinched a playoff berth for the Batang Pier.
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