PBA

E-Painters eye q’finals

September 10, 2024 Robert Andaya 224 views

ONE more win and move closer to the quarterfinals.

This is the target of Rain or Shine and coach Yeng Guiao when they take on winless Phoenix Super LPG in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Elasto Painters hope to repeat over the Fuel Masters in their 5 p.m. encounter and solidify their hold of the top spot in Group B with a 5-1 win-loss record.

“Kailangan namin ng six wins so kapag nanalo uli kami, we feel one foot inside the door na kami sa quarterfinals,” said Guiao on the eve of their match against the Fuel Masters.

“We look at it that way. Kumbaga ang importante lang makarating kami ng next round ng the sooner, the better,” explained Guiao, adding the E-Painters need to play just as hard to repeat their 116-99 victory over the Fuel Masters in their first meeting.

He cited the tournament format that calls for the top four teams from each of the two groups advancing to the crossover quarterfinals following the 10-game intragroup eliminations.

Guiao also reminded his players not to take the Fuel Masters for granted even if they have yet to win in five outings.

“We are cautious in our approach to the Phoenix game kasi tinalo namin iyan wala silang import pero nahirapan pa rin kami. Nung bandang huli lang kami nakalayo,” said Guiao.

“Now they have a good import. They’ve been struggling, yes. But I think their import is also just making the adjustments. By Tuesday. he must be better adjusted to the team and our style of play so we will have a harder time putting together a win against Phoenix this time.”

Although he played for only two games, Phoenix import Brandone Francis is averaging 39 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.

In the second game at 7:30 p.m., Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater figure in an interesting rematch, with both gunning for win No. 4.

Powered by former NBA player George King, Blackwater pulled the rug from under Ginebra 95-88,

King, who saw action for the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks, finished with 33 points and 19 rebounds in leading the Bossing to victory over the Kings.

“Were fortunate to have won the last three games but we feel like our backs are still against the wall and we need to keep pushing,” said Blackwater coach Jeff Cariaso, whose team has now won three gamss in a row.

The Bossing also defeated Phoenix Super LPG , 123-111, and NLEX, 110-109.

AUTHOR PROFILE