RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao rued the 43 free throws awarded to Meralco in its 121-111 win over the Elasto Painters in the opener of the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup last Sunday.
Guiao lamented that some of the fouls called against them were ‘borderline,' leading to the Bolts converting 32 of their 43 free throw attempts. Rain or Shine had more fouls against Meralco, 31-30.
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The Elasto Painters were 19-for-31 from the free throw line against the Bolts.
“I think ‘yung game is closer than what the score says… ‘Yung naging malaking factor dito ‘yung 43 free throws na binigay sa Meralco. As close as the game is and you are able to go to the free throw line 43 times, mahirap kang talunin talaga kung ganun karami ‘yung free throws na binigay sayo,” said Guiao.
“Of course, we can agree that some of those free throws were well-deserved. Pero may mga borderline talaga na siguro naibigay sa kanila ‘yung benefit of the doubt. Extraordinary naman talaga yung magkaroon ng 43 free throws for any team especially sa amin. On record, we’re able to play defense without fouling.”
Guiao said Rain or Shine is a team that takes pride in 'defending without fouling,' the reason it is one of the teams that give the fewest free throws.
“Every conference naman ‘yun, we are the team that gives up the least free throws. Because that's really part of our principle. Defending without fouling. And on record, makikita natin ‘yun. Even if you look at the stats, we're one of the teams or probably the team that gives up the least free throws. But (against Meralco), we gave up 43 free throws. So that’s an outlier.
"Parang paano nangyari yan? Pero ganon talaga. Wala tayong magagawa,” said Guiao.
Rain or Shine resumes its Commissioner’s Cup against Eastern on Wednesday where Deon Thompson is slated to make his debut.
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