Rain or Shine targets outright semis berth versus Ginebra
Games today
Araneta Coliseum
3:00 p.m.- Kia Sorento vs. NLEX
5:15 p.m.- Ginebra vs. Rain or Shine
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are on a roll, winning their last six games to move up to the top spot of the team standings of the 40th PBA Philippine Cup.
The Elasto Painters play their second game in three days today with a mission far more important than keeping their streak alive as they face the Barangay Ginebra Kings at the Araneta Coliseum.
Tied with the San Miguel Beermen at the number spot with similar 8-2 records (win-loss), the Elasto Painters look to hurdle the Kings and secure one of the two outright semifinal seat.
Rain or Shine is coming off an impressive 98-95 come-from-behind win over the Alaska Aces, wherein rookie guard Jericho Cruz fired a career-high 16 points, including the team’s last four points that sealed the win for the Yeng Guiao-coached squad.
“We’re on a six-game winning streak, but that streak will be worthless if we lose on Sunday (today). We need a similar game like this one against Ginebra,” Guiao told pba.inquirer.net, the league’s official website, after the gutsy win.
A loss to Ginebra will complicate Rain or Shine’s outright semis bid.
Talk ‘N Text and Alaska are trailing Rain or Shine and San Miguel with their 8-3 records.
San Miguel has an inside track of claiming an outright semis berth as its last game will be against the lowly Blackwater Elite, who have yet to win after 10 games.
Although already out of the top two race, Ginebra is still in a must-win situation as it is gunning for a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.
“It’s a big game for both of us with regards to placing,” said Ginebra coach Jeffrey Cariaso. “We need to be great in our transition defense. They will push and push and push. Rain or Shine scores quickly off misses, made baskets and turnovers. And no matter what, (the game against Rain or Shine) will prepare us for the playoffs.”
In the first game, the NLEX Road Warriors face Kia Sorento, hoping to go into the playoff on a winning note.
NLEX is at 10th spot with a 3-7 record.
Kia, which parades a 1-9 slate, is already out of playoff contention, just like fellow expansion team Blackwater.
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