AKTV/Paolo Papa
But if it were up to coach Yeng Guiao, Rain or Shine would use just one game to eliminate the Mixers.
“Our plan is to finish it off on Saturday,” Guiao said shortly after his team’s 93-84 victory over San Mig Coffee Thursday.
“Kung kaya namin tapusin, tatapusin na namin. Habang tumatagal, mas delikado.”
The Elasto Painters were in a similar situation last season, when it faced the same team in the Governors’ Cup finals. The team then known as the B-MEG Llamados forced a Game Seven against Rain or Shine after falling behind 3-1 in the series. The Elasto Painters prevailed in the final match to take the title.
Guiao hopes there would be no such complications this time around.
“That can very well happen if we become complacent,” said Guiao. “We will make sure that we are ready mentally in the next game.”
The coach noted that Rain or Shine’s edge in depth has been wearing down San Mig Coffee.
“They’re just forced to play their key players many minutes. James Yap was forced to play 42 minutes. Peter June Simon played 34 minutes, Marc Pingris played 34 minutes,” said Guiao.
In contrast, Gabe Norwood topped Rain or Shine at just 32 minutes.
“We’re fresher, we’re sharper,” said Guiao.
The Elasto Painters won despite getting just two points from star guard Paul Lee, who shot just 1-of-7 from the field. Five players scored at least eight points for Rain or Shine to fill the void.
Guiao said the mental part is the biggest issue for the Elasto Painters, who could close out the series in Game Five on Saturday.
“Pwede pa rin mag-iba kung pababayaan, pero ‘di na namin pababayaan to,” he said.
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