Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Last conference’s meltdown was still etched in the mind of Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao as his team sought a different ending in the PBA Governor’s Cup on Thursday.
So Guiao and the Elastopainters heaved a sigh of relief when they barged into the semifinals after defeating hungry Globalport, 108-106.
“The memory of last conference was still fresh in our minds. It was a big of pressure for us,” Guiao told reporters after the game at Mall of Asia Arena.
His worries were not unfounded as Rain or Shine once botched a twice-to-beat advantage in the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup against eventual finalist Ginebra.
Against the Batang Pier, who got a first taste of a post-season appearance, the Elastopainters needed a brave windup to seal the win.
“Globalport was playing well and they had a chance to win the ball game and that thought (of last conference) was bothering us. It was a relief,” also said Guiao.
Ryan Araña picked up the slack in the payoff period and unleashed 12 of his 20 points to give Rain or Shine the lead for good.
Gabe Norwood then launched a triple with 17 ticks to go which ultimately ended Globalport’s hopes to extend the quarterfinals series.
“It was a bad FT shooting night. The important thing is we made some big shots. We were able to grind out a win against a ball club that keeps getting better every game,” Guiao said.
The fiery mentor admitted that the ejection of GlobalPort head coach Junel Baculi after incurring two technical infractions was a big break from them.
“Coach Junel being ejected, it was like déjavu, parang nakikita ko sarili ko, pero this time, it was the other way around. That was really a big break,” Guiao said.
Rain or Shine faces Petron, which eliminated Ginebra, in the semifinals starting on Monday.