Sep 22, 2024

Guiao: It's a desire to be first place

THE Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are enjoying their play, enjoying their run and enjoying their current position in the PBA Governors' Cup elimination round that is about to end.

Coach Yeng Guiao says it would be an even greater joy, fun and thrill if they're able to finish on top of their group.

There are two possible ways for them to secure pole position in Group B - first is a loss by Barangay Ginebra to NLEX Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and, if not that, is for the Elasto Painters to beat the Blackwater Bossing in the final game of the elims Monday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

For Blackwater, it could possibly be a shot at the last berth in the crossover quarterfinals.

But a win by NLEX over Ginebra Sunday would render the game non-bearing for coach Jeff Cariaso and his troops.

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In case of a deadlock between NLEX and Blackwater (either at 5-5 or 4-6), the Road Warriors secure the coveted spot by virtue of a higher point differential.

For the E-Painters at 7-2, it's No. 1 or No. 2.

"It's important that we have a chance at first place. If we're able to finish the job Monday, siguro we'll be in a better place in the quarters; it would be a better matchup for us," said Guiao.

"(It's our) desire makapag-first place. It would be a confidence booster," Guiao added.
The ROS mentor, however, feels that it's not easy to seal the deal especially against the Blackwater team that could be fighting for dear life.

"Magaling ang import (George King) nila, locals nila may materyales na rin. Yung rookie (Sedrick Barefield) nila ang galing," said Guiao.
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"I think we have to scheme the import, we have to scheme their guards. Tignan natin," Guiao added. (SB)