RAIN or Shine aims to keep its streak alive while ending the year on a high note when it tangles with winless Terrafirma Sunday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the PhilSports Arena.
At first glance, the Elasto Painters are heavily favored to rack up their fourth straight win and improve to 4-1 at the expense of the Dyip, who are languishing in the cellar with a woeful 0-6 record.
Not so fast, according to Rain or Shine's grizzled coach, Yeng Guiao. "Mahirap pa ring magtiwala," he cautioned.
"Merong araw na maganda lalaruin kahit sabihin nating nag-i-struggle 'yung team. Pag natapat sa iyo na maganda lalaruin nila mahihirapan ka pa rin," added Guiao.
"So hindi p'wedeng mag-relax or mag-kampante."
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Based on its recent performances Terrafirma's best seems way behind it, however.
After losing their first three games by an average of 20 points, the Dyip's toughest stance yet came against the undermanned Meralco Bolts in a game they lost by just a 91-96 count. Then they promptly dropped an 18-point game to San Miguel Beer before getting beaten by Barangay Ginebra, 98-114, last Wednesday.
In stark contrast, Rain or Shine remained firmly on track for its 2024 goal of reaching four wins by counting as its victims Eastern, SMB and Magnolia, the last via a 102-100 count earlier last Wednesday.
What makes the decision over the Hotshots even more impressive for Guiao is the fact his E-Painters kept their poise even after blowing a 13-point third quarter lead and trailing by 12, going to the last 6:43 of the game.
"Nag-iiba 'yung karakter ng team. Nakikita mo na marunong na silang bumalik after losing momentum. Dati pag nawala na momentum nagtutuloy-tuloy na iyon, hindi na makabalik," noted Guiao.
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"Marami ng dinaanan iyon (Magnolia). Pero for a younger team like ours na makabalik du'n sa mga super veterans na iyon, parang nabubuo na rin iyung finishing kick namin. Dati wala kaming finishing kick, wala kaming closers, di naming maisarado 'yung laro, matatalo ka sa endgame," added Guiao.
"Pero ito magandang senyales ito, kahit sabihin mong nawala lamang namin." (NC)
