MANILA, Philippines—The view from the top doesn’t seem to satisfy coach Yeng Guiao and his Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters.
The conference leaders try to keep their hot streak going when they tangle with the Petron Blaze Boosters Sunday night in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rain or Shine and Petron clash at 6:30 p.m. after another interesting match starting at 4:15 where the Alaska Aces hope to settle the score with former coach Tim Cone and the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados.
The E-Painters (7-1) regained the solo lead, a full game ahead of the defending champion Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, after posting a fifth straight victory at Barako Bull’s expense.
“We’re very happy with the way we’re playing but we know that it’s a very fragile situation,” said Guiao following a 93-81 manhandling of the Energy on Friday night.
“Once you relax and make mistakes, you lose one or two games then crumble,” he added.
The E-Painters are in a for a tough grind against the Boosters, who are coming off back-to-back victories capped by a virtual workout over the Shopinas.com.
“They’re a good transition and fast-breaking team. The Shopinas game was a simulation of how Rain Or Shine plays,” said Petron Blaze coach Ato Agustin.
The Boosters, sharing third spot with the Energy (5-3), also have the depth the E-Painters don’t enjoy.
“They’re one of the teams coming up. In terms of talent, they’re pretty much stronger,” said Guiao. “Again, we’ll play as a team and not rely on individual talent.”
The Llamados (4-4), who leaned on James Yap and PJ Simon in their 95-79 win over the Meralco Bolts, are raring to duplicate their 81-75 win over the Aces last month.
Cone has downplayed the former-team-against-my-new-ballclub angle in facing the struggling Aces (1-6).
“I certainly want to beat Alaska. They’re a very capable team. They played two really good games and they’re gonna be a team we really have to battle to earn a win,” said Cone
Meanwhile, Ginebra pulled off a convincing 92-79 triumph over cellar-dweller Shopinas.com Saturday.
Willie Wilson and Nino Canaleta banged in 12 points apiece as the Gin Kings snapped a two-game skid and improved to 4-4. With reports from Celest R. Flores
The scores:
GINEBRA 92—W. Wilson 12, Canaleta 12, Helterbrand 10, Villanueva 9, De Ocampo 9, J. Wilson 9, Caguioa 8, Cervantes 6, Tubid 5, Labagala 5, Cortez 3, Intal 2, Aquino 2.
SHOPINAS.COM79 —Jazul 11, Daa 10, Sena 10, Mirza 10, Hubalde 7, Sison 5, Duncil 5, Ritualo 5, Menor 5, Espiritu 5, Se 4, Aquino 0, Hermida 0.
Quarterscores: 20-18, 53-31, 72-50, 92-79