E-Painters, Boosters eye 3rd straight wins today

RAIN or Shine and Petron Blaze try to stay unbeaten and remain tied for the PBA Governors’ Cup lead when they clash against separate foes today at the resumption of the elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Elasto Painters take the floor at 5:15 p.m. against Air21 and Zach Graham, while the Boosters set out to add to the miseries of the depleted Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters in the 7:30 p.m. main game.

Rain or Shine is the surprise package of the tournament and Jamelle Cornley the surprise import after churning out games that have made coach Yeng Guiao declare that “he is the right man for the team.”

Cornley, a stand-in for original choice Arizona Reid, is a consistent double-double performer and, according to Guiao, doesn’t have to be in the limelight to help his squad.

“Jamelle is the right fit for us,” the coach said. “He works hard, plays offense and defense. We don’t want an import scoring too many points and taking away opportunities from the locals. He understands that and that’s very important for us.”

Graham was also rumored to be on the way out after the Express took a sound beating at the hands of Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings last week. But after shooting 38 points and helping Air21 upset Talk ‘N Text last Saturday, it looks like Graham is here to stay.

That victory also boosted the confidence of the Express no end, especially so since the Texters welcomed back superstars Kelly Williams, Ryan Reyes and reigning MVP Jimmy Alapag.

That loss, though, could make the Texters a different team against the Boosters tonight.