Rain or Shine finds itself in a precarious 0-3 hole in the best-of-seven PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup semifinal series against San Miguel.
Whatever happens, Rain or Shine will gain a great deal from its PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup semifinal series against San Miguel.
Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao reiterated this after his team fell to a 0-3 hellhole following a 117-107 loss to the Beermen in Game Three of their race-to-four tiff on Wednesday, May 22.
“We’re in a deeper hole but, sabi ko nga, we’re in a long game. We want games like this; to be able to play the best teams and find ways solving mga strengths ng mga ibang teams, trying to improve on our weaknesses. On that end, we’re achieving it,” said Guiao after the match at the Dasmarinas City Arena.
[ALSO READ: PBA: Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao explains endgame verbal spat with San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo in Game 3]
“Tingin ko, we’re getting to be a better team every game. Of course, natatalo, pero pagpasok namin dito, sinasabi ko naman na all we can do, really, is make it hard for San Miguel to get to the finals, learn in the process, and, at the same time, find out 'yung areas where we can improve.”
[WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: San Miguel holds off Rain or Shine, moves on verge of finals]
The substantial experience that comes with playing the best team in the league in a playoff series will go a long way in his young wards’ development as professional basketball players.
“The experience is also very important. Ma-experience nila ang atmosphere ng semis, maraming nanonood. Noong elimination round, halos kaunti lang ang nanonood. There’s more pressure, there’s more adjustment (sa playoffs),” said Guiao.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao during the Elasto Painters and San Miguel Beermen's Game Two battle last Sunday, May 19 | File photo (c) RM Chua
It does not mean Guiao was not disappointed in Game Three's outcome, though.
The fiery mentor, whose charges kept in step with San Miguel throughout the game before faltering in the homestretch, thought it was their best chance to beat the mighty Beermen.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: San Miguel says no to complacency as it knocks on finals door with 3-0 lead over Rain or Shine]
“Nasasayangan lang kami dito sa opportunity. This could have been our best chance to win against San Miguel. We could have been back in the race pero it’s a crucial game. You go down 0-3, it's almost impossible to get back,” Guiao said.
[ALSO WATCH: PBA Game Highlights: Meralco goes 2-1 in semifinal battle with Ginebra]
Still, expect the youthful Elasto Painters, with their backs against the wall, to come out the gates firing when Game Four of the best-of-seven series unfurls on Friday, May 24.
Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“Of course, you’re disappointed you lost. But at the same time, you know the upside of the team is high. For sure, we will be a better team after this, wherever we get to. Manalo kami isa pa, matalo kami, ma-sweep kami — we will be a better team next conference,” said Guiao.