YENG Guiao continues to trust the process despite Rain or Shine bombing out in the PBA Governors Cup semifinals against TNT on Friday night.
The outspoken coach said he remains pleased with how the Elasto Painters competed against the defending champion despite bowing out of the best-of-seven series, 4-1 after a 113-95 loss in Game 5 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
He noted how the team managed to upgrade its semis finish this time after being swept by San Miguel in its previous Final Four stint in the Philippine Cup.
READ: TNT relies on defense to put away Rain or Shine in five games
“Kung yung unang semis namin, 4-0, hetong second semis namin 4-1. Baka next semis, 4-2 na kami,” said Guiao in jest.
“Nag-i-improve pa rin. OK pa rin sa amin yun. Kaya makapasok pa rin sa semis, mag 4-3 baka ikaw na ang makapasok (sa finals). So tingnan natin. Parang yun ang proseso.”
Not lost on Guiao is the good run his team had in the season opener conference where it finished as the top seed in its group that included the likes of Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel, and then eliminating title contender Magnolia in a sudden-death Game 5 in the quarterfinals.
“I’m totally at peace with the accomplishments we’re had this conference,” said Guiao as he looked back on Rain or Shine’s campaign.
“We’ve been in the semis twice in a row. So at least that’s an indication of some degree of consistency with the team.”
After being swept by San Miguel, Rain or Shine managed to sneak in a win during Game 3 on import Aaron Fuller’s completed three-point play, 110-109, and came close to tying the series but lost the next game on a close one, 81-79, behind the one-handed slam dunk of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
“Yes, I am a little bit disappointed because we’ve had a chance to win Game 4 in a one possession game,” said Guiao.
The failure of rookie forward Caelan Tiongson to suit up in the semis due to injury was also an issue the Elasto Painters had to deal with.
“Caelan would have been helpful in defending RHJ (Rondae) na talagang malaking headache sa amin,” said the Rain or Shine coach.
With the Commissioner’s Cup set to kick off late next month, Guiao said Rain or Shine’s goals remain the same.
“So again next conference, we’ll try to make the semis again,” said Guiao.
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