CITY OF DASMARINAS – Saying it's only for the hype, Delta Pineda was quick to play down the notion that the PBA Governors Cup quarterfinal between Converge and Rain or Shine has turned into a ‘Battle of Pampanga.’
The Converge mentor said the talk is all for fun when sought for his comment on the best-of-five showdown being labelled by Rain or Shine counterpart Yeng Guiao as a clash for supremacy of the Central Luzon province.
Both Pineda and Guiao are involved in Pampanga politics. The Rain or Shine coach was a former vice governor and congressman of the province’s first district, while Pineda, a former governor, is currently the sitting vice governor.
“Natiyempo lang siguro na yung idol coach ko ay parehas kaming Kapampangan. Pero walang ‘Battle of Pampanga’ dito,” said the Converge coach.
“Katuwaan lang yun.”
Delta and the FiberXers have taken the upperhand over Rain or Shine following a 105-89 win on Tuesday night at the Dasmarinas City Arena. They now lead the best-of-five duel, 2-1.
Despite the sideline rivalry, Pineda made it known his utmost respect to Guiao, who he referred to as ‘Kuya Yeng.’
“Alam naman ninyo yung relasyon namin ni Kuya Yeng, he’s like a family to us,” Pineda said of Guiao, who once served as vice governor to his mother, incumbent governor Lilia Pineda.
“And one of my idol coaches is coach Yeng,” he added. “Talagang sinuwerte lang kami ngayon.”
Converge could clinch its first-ever semifinal appearance with another win in Game 4 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
