Boosters vs Painters in Davao

source: mb.com.ph

Game Saturday (Digos City, Davao del Sur)

6 p.m. – Petron vs Rain or Shine

Games Sunday (Smart-Araneta Coliseum)

5:30 p.m. – B-Meg vs Alaska

7:45 p.m. – Ginebra vs Talk ’N Text

MANILA, Philippines — The last time Rain or Shine and Petron Blaze clashed, the Elasto Painters romped to a stunning 30-point victory.

Can the Painters do an encore?

Nobody can predict but Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, back after a one-game suspension for outburst, said it’s difficult to follow it up although they are ready against the Boosters when they clash again Saturday in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals at the Sports, Cultural and Business Center in Digos City.

“It’s not going to happen this time,” Guiao said, referring to the Painters’ 113-83 victory against the Boosters last June 24 where import Arizona Reid – the leading Best Import candidate – registered 34 points, 21 rebounds and eight assists.

The game between Rain or Shine and Petron presented by Phoenix Fuel is set at 6 p.m.

Both teams are actually coming off remarkable wins last Wednesday, with Rain or Shine – minus the suspended Guiao – beating Grand Slam seeking Talk ’N Text, 96-81, while Petron rallied back from a 28-point deficit to score a 96-88 overtime victory against Barangay Ginebra.

While the Boosters improved to 6-4 that tied them with the Alaska Aces and the Kings for second spot, the Painters must win their last three games, including Saturday’s game to avail of the 4-of-5 incentive. If they can do it, they can forge a knockout match against the No. 2 team for the second finals berth.

“It’s a motivation for us,” said Guiao.

“We still have a chance of making it to the Finals. As long as there is a chance, even if it’s small, we’ll keep fighting and we’ll keep going for it. We had a very good game the last game, so we’re trying to ride on the momentum and the energy,”he added.

Against TNT, Rain or Shine allowed the No. 1 scoring team (108.3) to just 81 points, the lowest for the Tropang Texters since an 82-103 defeat to San Miguel Beer (Petron Blaze now) during Game 3 of the Philippine Cup Finals last January.

Also, the Painters limited the Texters to only 30.9 percent (30-of-97) shooting from the field, which ranked second lowest since coach Chot Reyes took over TNT in 2008 Fiesta Cup. Reid tallied 30 points and 20 rebounds against TNT.

That same intensity on defense is what Guiao expects from his players.

“We have to play them in a very close game, so we should be ready, stay focused and stay tough towards the end game which we anticipate against Petron,” said Guiao, knowing the capabilities of the Boosters led by import Anthony Grundy and locals Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot.

source: mb.com.ph