RAIN or Shine hit its target to end 2024 on a high note.
The Elasto Painters are now setting their sights on a new goal when they contend with former nemesis Blackwater Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, 5:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena.
Coach Yeng Guiao and his charges racked up four straight wins to end December to finish the past year with a 4-1 record and now want to stretch that streak against the 1-5 Bossing and stay on track for a coveted seat in the playoffs.
"New year, new challenge for us," said Guiao in an interview earlier this week.
"May seven games kami-which is the balance of our elimination round-in January. Ang immediate goal namin is to make the quarterfinals. I think the magic number is seven wins. The earlier you get your seven wins the better because you can still improve your standing," added Guiao.
Sponsored content:
The grizzled tactician also cited his team's Saturday date with Phoenix as a good gauge of what his E-Painters are truly capable of. "These two games we have this week, Wednesday and Saturday, will determine if we can continue on with our momentum," he said.
Guiao wants his team to focus solely on Blackwater first, and for good reason.
Behind the 64 points of George King the Bossing dealt the E-Painters their worst loss in the recent Governors Cup via a 139-118 count and Guiao uses that painful memory as a reminder to not take the Bossing lightly despite their struggles.
"We look at that as additional motivation," related Guiao. "How can we defend him (King) and not let him repeat another 60-plus game against us. Iyun 'yung ipinu-put forward kong challenge du'n sa mga players natin."
King actually averages 37.17 points on top of 10.17 rebounds, but Guiao is also concerned with Sedrick Barefield, who norms 20.75 points aside from 4.25 rebounds and 3.75 assists.
Sponsored content:
"Between them they score about 60 points a game," noted Guiao. "Although you know where to focus your defense sometimes you can get overwhelmed, with the scoring ability of those two guys. And we also have to contain their other locals."
There is another thing gnawing at Guiao, whose team has not seen action since hurdling Terrafirma, 124-112, last Dec, 22.
"For almost three weeks we haven't played, so we will play our first game of the new year without really knowing how they will react," said Guiao. "I hope they have not lost their sharpness." (NC)
