B-Meg takes on ROS today; Barako Bull gets going

Not that he sounds cocky or anything after a tournament-opening win, but Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao is happy that he’ll play.

B-Meg tonight for the early solo lead in the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations.

“I know B-Meg is short on preparation, and this is the best time to play them,” Guiao said on the eve of his Elasto Painters’ 7:30 p.m. clash with the recently crowned Commissioner’s Cup champions at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

“There’s no guarantee, of course. B-Meg is still formidable even with the lack of preparation,” he continued. “But I would rather play them early than later. It’s very important to win early in a short conference like this.”

The euphoria of the Llamados’ classic seven-game conquest of Talk ‘N Text has barely subsided and they would need to regain their focus, the sooner the better.

B-Meg will unveil import Edward Blakely against Jamelle Cornley and the Painters, who will be coming off a 107-100 decision of the Alaska Aces in the inaugurals in Antipolo last Sunday.

Barako Bull also makes its debut in the season-ending tournament, colliding with Powerade and Rashad McCants at 5:15 p.m.

The Tigers and the former University of North Carolina star are trying to avoid slipping into a 0-2 hole.

Rain or Shine drew 27 points and 13 rebounds from Cornley in the Alaska game. What was more impressive, however, was the solid back-up the import got from the Painters’ local crew, who delivered from long distance because of the space created by Cornley underneath.

“He can defend and has a decent outside shot,” Guiao said of his import. “Even if he is scouted (by the other teams), the fact that he gives us a solid inside threat can free up our shooters.”

Powerade got waylaid in its first game last Sunday when it ran into a brick wall that was Petron Blaze and Eddie Basden, who won out in his personal duel with fellow National Basketball Association veteran McCants.

Jamine Peterson makes his first PBA appearance for Barako Bull in the first game and the overachieving Energy will try to pick up from where they left off in the Commissioner’s Cup.

McCants scored 27 points in his debut against the Boosters and Gary David had 26.

Willie Miller and Danny Seigle still loom as the most reliable local players for the Energy, who will play Doug Kramer for the first time after acquiring him from Powerade.