Gilas seeks 5th straight win vs ROS

Games Today (Astrodome, Pasay City)

5 p.m. — Smart-Gilas vs Rain or Shine

7:30 p.m. — B-Meg Derby Ace vs Meralco

Game tomorrow (Xavier University Gym, Cagayan de Oro City)

6 p.m. — Talk ‘N Text vs Alaska

MANILA, Philippines – Smart-Gilas Pilipinas stakes its unbeaten slate when it clashes with Rain or Shine even as Meralco tries to end its woes against B-Meg Derby Ace in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup today at the Astrodome in Pasay City.

The national team, which won its first four games, including a masterful win over powerhouse San Miguel, and the Elasto Painters (3-1) meet in the curtain raiser at 5 p.m., while the Llamados and the Bolts face-off in the second game at 7:30 p.m.

Rain or Shine is coming off a tough 78-99 loss to Philippine Cup champion Talk ’N Text last Sunday, its first after a franchise best start of 3-0.

Still, Smart-Gilas mentor Rajko Toroman considers the Nationals’ game against Rain or Shine to be a big test since the Painters are relatively young and can easily match up with their running game.

Also, Rain or Shine has also developed into one of the league’s top defenders – thanks to the arrival of coach Yeng Guiao. It also boasts of the all-around playmaking of NBA veteran import Hassan Adams.

“Rain or Shine is a good team,” Toroman said. “They have one of the best imports. I expect a very difficult game.”

About a week ago, Smart-Gilas handed San Miguel Beer a crushing defeat –109-68 – its worst since a 61-99 defeat to Alaska in Game 6 of the 1998 All-Filipino Cup Finals.

The national team, though, is facing some problems.

Toroman said that seven-foot back-up center Greg Slaughter has been sick the past few days, while forward Marnel Baracael has yet to fully recover from a broken finger although he played against SMB. Forward Aldrech Ramos has also been busy with school work.

“But we will try everything to win the game,” said Toroman, who is expected to draw another big numbers from 6-foot-11 import Marcus Douthit.

Chris Tiu, Mark Barroca, JV Casio, Dylan Ababou, Fil-Ams Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz should also play consistently if Gilas wants to extend its streak.

Aside from Adams, Guiao can also count on former RP team member Gabe Norwood, TY Tang, Ryan Araña, Ronjay Buenafe, Doug Kramer, Beau Belga, rookie RJ Jazul and veteran John Ferriols.

source: mb.com.ph