BLACKWATER hopes to ride the crest of its huge bounce-back win the last time as it guns for a first ever semifinals berth against Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elite turned back the Elasto Painters, 100-96, in Game 2 to level the best-of-three series at 1-1 and forged the 7 p.m. sudden-death game where the fourth and final semis berth is at stake.
Elite coach Aris Dimaunahan lauded his team for simply not rolling and die after losing the series opener, 83-80, in which they failed to protect an eight-point advantage going to the final two minutes.
"They refused to lose. Ayaw pa naming mag-bakasyon and that's the commitment that we all have, that we want to make it to the next phase," said Dimaunahan following the win.
"But again it's not going to be easy especially playing against a veteran, smart, and tough Rain or Shine team," he added. "I'm just glad we finally got a playoff win."
Rain or Shine however, will go to the do-or-die game missing another key player in Ed Daquioag.
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The pesky guard from University of Santo Tomas failed to suit up in Game 2 after hurting his knee in the third quarter of the series opener.
Coach Caloy Garcia said Daquioag will again not play for the Elasto Painters in the all-important game, joining injured players James Yap and Maverick Ahanmisi in the sidelines.
"Out na siya. So maybe, if we make it to the semis, Game 1 puwede na siya," said Garcia of Daquioag, who hit for 19 points in the team's Game 1 win.
The Rain or Shine coach also refused to acknowledge his team has the massive advantage in terms of experience against Blackwater, who's seeing action in the playoffs for just the third time.
"Mga bata rin naman ang naglalaro sa amin. Probably si Beau and Gabe are the only ones who are really here (playoffs)," said Garcia.
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"On the other side, andyan naman sila (Mac) Belo, and they also have experience on their side," added the Rain or Shine mentor. "Coming to Thursday, hindi ako naniniwala doon sa whoever has experience. I think whoever wants it more is gonna count."
Winner of the series will face San Miguel Beer in the best-of-five semifinals. (RG)
