Garcia struggles to get Elastopainters on same page

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Before the Rain or Shine thinks of retaining its crown, coach Caloy Garcia said that the team must figure out a way to be on the same page first.

That was the reality check San Miguel dealt the Elasto Painters after they suffered a humbling 111-98 whipping on Saturday.

“I’m just trying to think about how to get these players on the same page,” he said. “Before the conference started, even after every game, whether we win or we lose, I’m telling the players that I still think we’re still a good team. The only problem is we have to be on the same page.”

Garcia couldn’t help but be envious of how smooth the Beermen ran against them, with the Elasto Painters proving to be a step too slow against the reigning three-time Philippine Cup champs.

“We started the game flat. We even had the lead in the beginning but we weren’t able to do what we wanted because the energy went off when the second group came,” he said. “But I’m more worried about our defense because our rotations were slow. After the second and third quarter passed, we stopped playing on defense.”

That’s a big no-no for any team facing off against a powerhouse team like San Miguel.

Rain or Shine’s dismal defensive effort led to the Beermen shooting 52-percent from the field, including a 10-of-28 clip from three. San Miguel also dished out 25 assists and converted 27 points off of its 21 turnovers.

“San Miguel made us pay for every mistake that we did. It’s really hard to play a team like San Miguel. Everybody’s on the same page,” he said.

“We only have two to three players that will come off the bench and play well. That’s what I can’t understand, that’s why I’m asking them what’s the problem.”

Rain or Shine will next face Star in Batangas on May 6.