Rain or Shine is eager to bounce back after a Game 1 loss to reigning titlist TNT in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Friday, Oct. 11.
After falling short in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup semifinals, Rain or Shine is determined to level the best-of-seven series against defending champion TNT when they meet anew on Friday, Oct. 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The Elasto Painters are eager to address the glaring issue from the series opener: turnovers.
Rain or Shine fumbled with 22 turnovers, which the Tropang Giga efficiently converted to 18 points in Game 1. In contrast, TNT turned the ball over only nine times, a difference that played a role in its 90-81 triumph.
Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao was candid in his assessment, describing the team's turnover woes as "just too big to give up to a team like TNT," allowing them "too many easy points."
Despite the loss, Guiao remained optimistic about Rain or Shine's chances.
He pointed out how the Elasto Painters managed to stay competitive until late in the game. Down by just seven points, 79-86, with 3:33 remaining, Rain or Shine still had a chance to turn things around. However, Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson hit a quadruple that widened the gap to 90-79 and essentially sealed the win for TNT.
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Guiao also found some positives in his charges' defensive efforts, as they held TNT to a modest 34 percent shooting or 33-for-97 from the field.
While Hollis Jefferson erupted with a near triple-double of 26 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, his shooting clip was also limited by the Elasto Painters to 10-for-25 or 40 percent which Guiao considered as an "accomplishment."
However, Rain or Shine's inability to convert its strong defensive stands into offensive opportunities due to turnovers ultimately cost them the game.
Looking ahead to Game 2, the Elasto Painters will need to correct their mistakes to complement their defense.
Import Aaron Fuller will be keen to avoid the early foul trouble that limited his effectiveness in Game 1. Meanwhile, young guns, Jhonard Clarito and Andrei Caracut, will look to improve on their quiet performances, where they combined for just seven points.
Rain or Shine’s resilience has already been tested in the playoffs, having survived a grueling best-of-five quarterfinal series against Magnolia.
Guiao is confident that his team can recover from the Game 1 loss and draw level in the semifinals, saying he still feels good about the Elasto Painters' chances in the series.
With TNT looking to further push Rain or Shine down a 0-2 hole, the Elasto Painters will need to put up a more polished and disciplined performance this time around.
Game time is at 5 p.m.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by AI and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]