RAIN or Shine showed tremendous composure against a powerhouse San Miguel squad to retain its unbeaten slate in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup.
The Elasto Painters passed their tough test at the hands of the Beermen with flying colors after preserving a 25-point lead to beat the two-time Philippine Cup champions, 116-112, on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
READ: Nocum douses SMB comeback as Rain or Shine wins fifth in a row
True to his reputation, RoS coach Yeng Guiao called just one timeout during a furious 24-4 SMB run that cut down a 95-73 deficit to start the fourth to just two, 99-97.
Rain or Shine got out of its struggles by itself, with Felix Lemetti draining a layup and a three during a 6-0 response that got them ahead, 105-97.
The Elasto Painters took full control for good with Adrian Nocum draining a three for a 108-100 lead.
“I was just trusting the guys,” said Guiao. “Sinasabi ko lang na parang you are testing their ability to self-organize, testing their ability to read situations. Kailangang magsugal ka talaga kesa doon sa inii-spoon feed mo lahat.”
“Nag-timeout din ako nung (95-83) galing sa 17 ata, nag-timeout din ako. Pero nung bandang huli, pinabayaan ko na sila. Bahala na kayo sa buhay niyo, sabi ko.”
Yeng does Yeng things
Nocum, who wound up with 21 points in the win, is already accustomed to Guiao's ways and he is glad that everyone responded.
“Talagang sinusubukan din kami ni coach. 'Pag sa dulo na, makikita mo talaga na hindi siya ta-timeout. Mga teammate ko talaga, makikita mo naman na composed din sila. Hindi rin sila bumitaw kaya nakuha namin panalo,” he said.
Rain or Shine found a solution on its own to preserve a lead that reached as high as 92-67 in the third quarter - and now moves closer to a quarterfinal seat.
“Hindi ka talaga pwedeng mag-relax 'pag San Miguel ang kalaban mo. Medyo bumagal yung pacing namin kaya siguro, nawala din yung lead namin. Nag-zone sila bandang huli, napigilan yung tempo ng laro nung nag-zone sila. We just tried to look for solutions kapag ganung situation,” said Guiao.
“Nakalusot. Tignan natin kung hanggang saan yung suwerte sa amin.”
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