GATE crashers.
That’s what Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao described his team after being the lone independent team to reach the semifinals of the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup.
And Guiao is comfortable with that label with the Elasto Painters battling TNT again in the semifinals for the third straight time this season.
READ: Rain or Shine denies Bolick, NLEX to complete PH Cup semis cast
“Kami, wala naman kaming dadaanan na iba eh. Ang dadaanan mo lang naman diyan, TNT, Ginebra, San Miguel,” said Guiao after Rain or Shine arranged a semifinal duel with the Tropang 5G with a 103-92 win over NLEX on Friday.
The winner of their series will face either Barangay Ginebra or San Miguel in the titular showdown.
Guiao said reaching the semifinals on a consistent basis and for the fourth straight time is already an achievement for the ballclub that is battling against teams with more resources.
“I’m really proud of these guys because now, TNT is there, San Miguel is there, Ginebra is there, and then Rain or Shine is there. Sino ba kami? Parang gate crasher lang kami dito,” said Guiao.
“Ang daming mas malaking mga kumpanya, mas maraming resources, pero kami, nakarating dito. Pinabili lang kami ng suka, nakarating kami dito. Pintura, kasama na. So gate crasher kami, nagpa-party sila, pinapasok nila kami sa gate. Eh di magpa-party na rin kami diba? Ganun lang ‘yun."
But Guiao said Rain or Shine isn’t satisfied yet by making it to the semifinals as he hopes that they can finally get over the hump after being ousted by TNT over the past two conferences.
“Nandito lang kami. Basta susubukan lang namin kung ano kaya namin. TNT, champion team, going for a grand slam. But nandiyan kami, lalabanan namin sila, tignan natin kung hanggang saan ‘yung aabutin namin," he said.
"‘Yung sinasabi ko na ibigay niyo lang lahat, itodo niyo lang lahat every game. We ran our style of play, we ran our system, put a hundred percent effort into it, bahala na ‘yung resulta. Basta ganun lang kami."
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