A STRAY cat stole a bit of the limelight in the homestretch of the PBA Governors’ Cup game between Rain or Shine and Meralco at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.
The cat, a regular fixture at the Big Dome, was seen crossing the playing court in the final 56 seconds under the Meralco basket and in front of the Rain or Shine bench, with the game tied at 83-all.
The Elasto Painters were pointing at the cat as it entered the scene while Chris Newsome attempted a basket that came up short, with Luis Villegas collaring the rebound.
“Everything is happening. May dumaan pang kuting,” hollered play-by-play anchor Jutt Sulit.
Rain or Shine scored in the play that followed for the go-ahead basket, eventually holding on for a tight 85-83 win.
Asked later if the stray cat was a distraction, coach Yeng Guiao admitted he was not even aware of it.
“Hindi ko napansin may stray cat pala doon,” he said as the Elasto Painters booked a fourth straight win.
But the veteran coach said he wouldn't even mind if he saw it.
“I would gladly give way to the stray cat. I love animals,” said Guiao. “May mga alaga rin kami (pusa), kaya sympathetic ako sa mga pusa.”
The veteran coach would rather not label if it’s appearance was a good sign or not for the Elasto Painters.
“Anything is lucky as long as you win. Lahat yan suwerte,” said Guiao. “Pag natalo kami, yan naman ang malas.
“Pero nanalo kami, kaya suwerte.”
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