AN INCONSISTENT campaign, to say the least, has put Rain or Shine and Blackwater in unenviable positions in the PBA Governors Cup.
But there's still enough time - and games - left to remedy their situation.
Starting Wednesday when the Elasto Painters and Elite collide in a duel between struggling teams at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Blackwater, currently at eighth, is looking to bounce back from yet another loss with coach Aris Dimaunahan hoping his team would start notching those needed wins on a more regular basis.
"Kailangan makabawi bukas. Di p'wedeng back-to-back losses," said Dimaunahan, whose team dropped a 97-106 decision to Meralco last Friday.
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"Ambisyon namin last game maka-back-to-back, di nagawa kaya subok ulit bukas," added Dimaunahan. "Limang laro natitira, sana ma-umpisahan na bukas. Kasi dikit-dikit standings sa ilalim. Kailangan naming makaiwas du'n, lalo pa ngayon na pahirap na ng pahirap kalaban.'
Rain or Shine is in more dire straits following an alarming freefall that put it at 11th.
The E-Painters have lost four straight, the last a 71-78 decision to previously winless Alaska last Oct. 13. The former must now do a five-game sweep just to gain passage into the next round.
"Must-win for us," said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.
"We just have to come out with more fire and focus on the defensive side," added Garcia. "We need the locals to step up."
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Indeed, the likes of Rey Nambatac, Javee Mocon, Beau Belga and Ed Daquioag, to name a few, should give new import Kwame Alexander all the help they could muster.
Alexander, who suited up for NLEX in the 2015 edition of the season-ending tournament, arrived last week and had his first practice with his new team last Friday.
"He has been okay. I think he has already adjusted to the weather and jet lag," related Garcia. "Hopefully, he can give us the spark we are looking for."
Naturally, Alexander is chief among Dimaunahan's concerns.
"Malakas na import din," noted Dimaunahan of Alexander, a legitimate threat at the post.
"Hopefully, ma-limit namin siya bukas," added Dimaunahan. "Malaking problema kasi kapag umi-score ng heavily ang import ng kabila." (NC)
