CHRIS Tiu isn't used to wearing a mouthpiece during games.
As Rain or Shine kicks off its playoffs campaign in the PBA Commissioner's Cup against Globalport, Tiu said he'll seriously consider using one.
The apprehension is understandable. The Rain or Shine guard was left with two broken teeth the last time the Elasto Painters and Batang Pier met in the eliminations, courtesy of an elbow from import Malcolm White.
"I don't like wearing mouthpiece because it's not comfortable because it takes a while getting used to it," Tiu told SPIN.ph.
"But against Globalport, I think I have to get used to it," he added with a laugh. " And I have to give each of my teammates one as well. And face mask also."
The Elasto Painters won the fight-marred game, 96-90, which also saw the ejection of Maverick Ahanmisi and Kelly Nabong.
White, who has also earned the ire of Matthew Wright and Scottie Thompson for his physical plays, has reportedly sought out Tiu to apologize for the incident.
The veteran guard said he did hear about it, but is puzzled why it took White this long to say his piece.
"Whatever the case, we're playing them in the quarterfinals, mag iingat na lang siguro kami sa mga mukha at katawan namin," said the playmaker from Ateneo.
As the top-seeded team, Rain or Shine only needs to beat the No. 8 Batang Pier on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to advance to the semifinals.
The eighth-seeded Batang Pier must win twice over the Elasto Painters.
