RAIN or Shine aims to continue its amazing rise Saturday when it takes on a Terrafirma side which is struggling big-time in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A fourth straight win by the Elasto Painters in the 3 p.m. match would give them a 4-5 slate that would make them the eighth team with at least as many wins and give them the inside track in the mad scramble for quarterfinals slots.
A win over Terrafirma and more victories in Rain or Shine's remaining eliminations games against TNT on Jan. 5 and Converge on Jan. 14 would officially seal coach Yeng Guiao's charges' advance into the next round.
More dire is the situation Terrafirma is in after dropping its last five games that left it with a 2-6 record.
Then there's the Dyip's remaining games against San Miguel Beer on Jan. 7 and Meralco five days later.
Sponsored content: Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel maintained that a win Friday would breathe new life into their campaign.
"Ine-explain ko nga sa mga players na pag nanalo bukas lahat ng talo natin mabubura kasi may chance pa rin," said Cardel on the eve of the match.
"Kumbaga, pag nag-tie kami ng Rain or Shine sa standings magiging lamang kami so malaking bagay talaga Rain or Shine game para sa amin," added Cardel. "Hopefully, ma-motivate sila para makakuha tuloy kami ng momentum para sa remaining games."
As is usually the case in such an import-laced conference, how the protagonists' respective reinforcements fare should play big part in their bids.
Undeniably, replacement import Demetrius Treadwell has been a big factor in Rain or Shine's surge, providing the team with the much-needed rebounding and inside presence original choice Dajuan Summers could not supply.
Sponsored content: Thomas de Thaey has also been doing his part with averages of 16.71 points on top of 13.75 rebounds, but Cardel simply wants more from the Belgian.
"Kailangan mag-bigay siya ng spark para ganahan ang mga locals, ma-inspire," said Cardel. "To be fair, meron daw siyang (groin) injury na pabalik-balik, pero eto na 'yung mga games na kailangang-kailangan siya. Sana maganda ilaro." (NC)
