YENG Guiao said Rain or Shine was glad to steal Game One from Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup semifinals on Wednesday night, saying his team's goal entering the semifinals is to make the series a competitive one.
The Elasto Painters looked doomed after RJ Abarrientos knocked down a three for a 107-102 Ginebra lead. But shots by Jaylen Johnson, Jhonard Clarito, and Gian Mamayuc allowed the Elasto Painters to grab a 113-107 lead and eventually win it, 115-111, in front of 10,412 fans at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
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“I thought they (Ginebra) shot the ball well especially si RJ. We couldn't find a solution to RJ initially. Si JB (Justin Brownlee) hirap din kami sa match-up," said Guiao. “But I'm really proud of the guys because ang ano lang namin is show up and compete."
Guiao said he believes that his team is a major underdog against a high-powered Barangay Ginebra squad and are gatecrashers in the semifinals.
“To play a team like Ginebra, GOAT import, GOAT coach, half of the Gilas team, the probable Best Player of the Conference in their team. Sino ba kami? Lumaban lang tayo, tignan natin kung saan tayo. At least, nailusot namin Game 1,” said Guiao.
Guiao was proud of how Rain or Shine came away with the win despite the absence of Caelan Tiongson due to diarrhea, and later Luis Villegas, who suffered an injury mid-game.
“A lot of respect to the Ginebra team. We just fought hard,” said Guiao.
Game 2 is slated on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena where Rain or Shine will look to take a 2-0 lead in the semifinals.
“Naka-isang tsamba. Tignan natin ang tsambang kaya namin. Eto yung mga pinabili lang ng suka, nakarating dito sa semis,” said Guiao.
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