A Friday the 13th thriller?
That could well be what's in the offing as pacesetter Rain or Shine and raging Barangay Ginebra clash in a grudge match in the PBA Governors' Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters upended the Gin Kings, 73-64, in their initial faceoff in Candon, Ilocos Sur on Aug. 24.
Both brace for a tougher test and fiercer clash as they meet in their second Group B showdown at 7:30 p.m.
"The Ginebra team we played in Landon was not the real Ginebra team. First game nila iyon (in the conference). They're coming from the offseason where they're so busy. Coach Tim (Cone) was busy with Gilas, and a lot of their players were recuperating from injuries," said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
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"On Friday, we'll play a tougher team, a better conditioned team. I'm sure ayaw nilang maulit yung Candon, kami naman gustong maulit iyon. So magandang laban ito," Guiao added.
It's a crucial rematch with both pushing their drives to seal entry into the playoffs.
Rain or Shine shows the way in Group B with a 5-1 win-loss slate while Barangay Ginebra shares second spot with San Miguel Beer at 4-2 followed by NLEX and Blackwater at 3-4. Phoenix is at the bottom at 0-6.
Being both among the hottest teams in the tourney right now, the Elasto Painters and the Kings could give each other a good test.
"Parang gusto ko nang maniwala na contender kami, pero hindi pa masyadong convinced. Sa ngayon hindi pa. Medyo maniniwala na ako pag nadalawahan namin ang Ginebra," said Guiao.
There's no convincing needed for Cone and his chargers, with all the championships they've got.
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The question was how fast Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos would adapt into the system and get into the mix.
Seemingly, it's been answered on their three-game roll after a loss-win-loss season start.(SB)
