Winning streak on the line as Hotshots, Painters collide

Rain or Shine’s Yeng Guiao (photo above) hopes a recent run of good form will continue against Magnolia. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ

A talented import that simply didn’t fit which led to a four-game losing streak to open their PBA Governors’ Cup campaign made Rain or Shine look destined for yet another disappointing campaign.

But the Elasto Painters have tabbed two victories recently, and while those wins were over cellar-dwellers, coach Yeng Guiao feels that they are enough to restore the club’s faith in itself as they enter a critical juncture where a last playoff push should happen.

“This is good for us. The team is developing mentally and coping in adverse situations,” Guiao said shortly after his charges took Terrafirma down last Thursday, 120-118, even without import Greg Smith II.

“We [also] feel good about our locals—running our system especially in putting up effort on defense.”

Whether that newfound belief in itself is enough, however, will be answered as Rain or Shine—well-rested following a nearly week-long break—runs into heavyweight Magnolia at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday.

Smith has gotten clearance to suit back up again, and the American forward should pick up where he left off after putting up 38 points in his debut, a 122-117 win over lackluster Blackwater.

From losing its first three outings, Magnolia will be taking a three-game winning streak into the 5:45 p.m. game, going unbeaten ever since Antonio Hester suited up.

And running sixth and with a path that could lead to a top two finish, Chito Victolero and his charges are looking to sustain their fine play.

“It’s going to be a physical game. We need to grind on both ends of the floor,” Victolero said of the match. INQ

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