Yeng Guiao and the rest of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters did not forget what happened on September 23, 2024.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said there was additional motivation for the Elasto Painters prior to their 122-106 win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, Jan. 9.
Guiao was referring to the Elasto Painters 118-139 loss to the Bossing in the Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in September last year.
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“Last time na nakalaban namin tong Blackwater tinambakan nila kami. That was additional motivation for us in our preparation for this game,” said Guiao after the match.
Rain or Shine then held the no. 1 spot in Group B action. But with George King firing 64 big points against the Elasto Painters, Blackwater managed to squeeze in a win before making its exit.
“Alam naming may capacity sila to really play well,” Guiao said.
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But other than that, the Elasto Painters simply want to to get to seven wins — the unofficial magic number for teams that want to advance to the quarterfinals this conference.
With Wednesday’s dub, Rain or Shine needs two more to reach that goal.
“Sa’min ang importante makarating ng next round. Ang tingin namin seven wins will assure you of a slot in the playoffs in the next round,” said Guiao.
“We have five wins now. We’re just looking to make and win another one and get as close to seven as we can, as early as we can. Yun lang iniisip namin.”
While that doesn’t seem to be farfetched, games are only expected to be tougher for the Elasto Painters as they are in line to face tough teams like Converge, NorthPort, and Ginebra.