SUFFERING yet another major hit would not deter Rain or Shine from remaining focused on a bigger target when it tackles Terrafirma Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena.
The Elasto Painters are hoping to get over the season-ending injury to Felix Lemetti when they gun for a second straight win that would jack their record to 6-3 and on track for a top four finish in the eliminations that carries with it a twice-to-beat reward in the next round.
"Maganda inilalaro niya, kahit sa practice, tapos na-fracture pa kamay. At least six weeks out kaya out for the season na siya," said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao of Lemetti, who now joins Beau Belga (vertigo) in the sidelines.
The heady Fil-Swedish playmaker was sure to come in handy against a Terrafirma crew that has lost eight straight, languishes at the cellar with a 1-8 card, and is long out of the playoffs race, but could still spring a surprise in Guiao's eyes.
"Bilin ko sa team it's always dangerous playing a team na walang pressure. They might be trying to have a good account of themselves before they bow out so it's always dangerous," said Guiao, noting how the Dyip almost pulled the rug from under Converge in their last outing.
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In that game, Converge struggled against Terrafirma's early hot shooting and fast-paced game, falling behind by as many as 18 points. Then the FiberXers got their acts together and outscored the Dyip, 29-11, in the final period to pull off a 117-103 win.
"Any time you step on a basketball court with another team you always have a chance of losing. Minsan maliit lang iyung chance pero nangyayari pa rin. We have to be careful of that," stressed Guiao.
"Ang importante d'yan maaga pa lang we have to take control of the game. Kapag nakadikit sila sa iyo medyo delikado na iyon. Converge game nila ganoon, nag-delikado," added Guiao. "That's one thing we're trying to avoid."
There's another reason why Guiao wants his team to establish full control early. After the Dyip, the E-Painters next take on San Miguel Beer on Saturday before winding up the eliminations on June 15 against Barangay Ginebra.
A sweep of all its last three games would secure Rain or Shine a top four finish, but it is the match against the Beermen which Guiao has one eye out for.
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"We're trying to make use of this game to fine-tune our game against San Miguel on Saturday. May mga gusto kaming subukan, so tingnan natin kung uubra," revealed Guiao.
Guiao also has a special assignment for his post players, including new acquisition Kris Porter, regarding Terrafirma's Louie Sangalang, who had 21 points and eight rebounds against Rain or Shine in their lone Commissioner's Cup meeting.
"Last time na nakalaban namin sila hirap na hirap kami kay Sangalang sa poste. So that's one thing I remind them about. Pag di namin na-stop 'yung Sangalang hindi namin talaga mai-stop si (SMB center) June Mar (Fajardo)," stated Guiao. (NC)
