RAIN or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao is treating their game against Alaska on Sunday with cautious optimism as the Elasto Painters eye their fourth victory in the 2011 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Facing a winless team, Guiao said their 6:30 p.m. encounter with the Aces is a big test for his wards because their opponents’ record does not reflect how dangerous they can be.
“We know they are struggling but at the same time we recognize their potent lineup and ability to beat any team,” said Guiao, whose wards are currently in a three-way tie with Talk ’N Text and Barako Bull at second spot with a 3-1 record each.
“I just hope they haven’t fully adjusted to a different situation because if they have, we will have a major problem. It’s only a matter of time before they start winning,” Guiao added.
Alaska has yet to win after three starts and coach Joel Banal is still looking for his first win for the franchise in the post-Tim Cone era.
The Elasto Painters came from an emotional 89-84 win over Meralco on Friday, while the Aces were walloped by the upstart Powerade Tigers.
Rookie Paul Lee has been blending well with the Rain or Shine mainstays, led by Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, Beau Belga, Larry Rodriguez and Ryan Arana.
And that’s what Banal is wary about—adding the fact that despite an intact lineup, plus rookies Mac Baracael and Eric Salamat, his wards aren’t as fluid as before.
In the first game at 4:15 p.m., Meralco hopes to deal Petron Blaze its first loss in the All-Filipino tournament.
The Bolts are 2-2 at the moment, while the Boosters of coach Ato Agustin are the only unbeaten team in with 3-0.
“We are battling an unbeaten team so we are motivated to work hard and be the first team [to beat Petron],” said Gregorio, whose Boosters are coming off a loss to the Elasto Painters.
“We have to limit their fast-break points and second-chance opportunities. Petron is dangerous when they get into a good groove,” he added.
Petron head coach Ato Agustin said they need to forget their hot start and focus on the game on hand.
“Malayo pa ‘yan. Kailangan ma-sustain pa namin ito,” said Agustin, who has been drawing consistent games from Arwind Santos, rookie Chris Lutz, Alex Cabagnot and Dennis Miranda.
(Joel Orellana)
