RAIN or Shine is already a winner, no matter what happens to its PBA Philippine Cup campaign.
According to coach Yeng Guiao, the experience his youth-laden Elasto Painters are getting in their semifinals series against a powerhouse team like San Miguel Beer should prove invaluable in the long run.
"Sabi ko nga, we're in a long game," said Guiao moments after his team absorbed a 107-117 defeat that put Rain or Shine in a 0-3 hole in the best-of-seven series and gave SMB the chance to seal the deal Friday.
"We want games like this," added Guiao. "We want to play the best teams, find ways solving 'yung mga strengths ng mga ibang teams, trying to improve on our weaknesses. On that end, we're achieving it. Tingin ko, we're getting to be a better team every game."
Indeed, Rain or Shine's latest loss came only after its players, majority of whom have not gotten this far in their young PBA careers, battled top-seeded and heavy favorite SMB through 23 lead changes and six deadlocks.
Sponsored content: In the end, however, the Beermen's much vaster experience prevailed as they followed up their 101-98 and 106-89 victories in the series' first two games.
Guiao, however, maintains that the fight and the willingness to give it their all remain in his team.
"Of course, natatalo," noted Guiao. "Pero pagpasok namin dito (semis) sinasabi ko naman na all we can do, really, is to make it hard for San Miguel to get to the finals, learning the process, and at the same time find out 'yung areas where we can improve.
"The experience is also very important. Ma-experience nila ganito, ma-experience nila 'yung atmosphere ng semis, maraming nanonood. There's more pressure, there's more adjustments. So andoon naman lahat iyon."
All should serve Rain or Shine in good stead in their upcoming battles, Guiao pointed out.
Sponsored content: "Of course, you're disappointed you lost. But, at the same time, you know the upside of the team is high, and for sure we'll be a better team after this," stressed Guiao.
"Whatever we get, wherever we get to. Manalo ka ng isa, matalo kami, we'll be a better team next conference." (NC)
