Although Rain or Shine won Game 2 of the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals against Alaska Aces, 105-103 last Sunday to extend the series lead to 2-0, Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao remains concerned especially with Aces’ ability to fight back.
“A 2-0 lead is not safe against Alaska,” Guiao said. “This is going to be an exciting series but it is getting harder to win as the series progresses.”
Guiao shared that even if Game Two was “entertaining for fans to watch”, it was “a difficult game” from a coaching standpoint.
“They forced us to call timeouts, they forced us to make bad decisions, this is why the game was much tougher,” Guiao said.
Rain or Shine trailed for most of the way, leading for only 17:51 of the match although the team once again leaned on a big fourth quarter to steal the victory.
“A lot of players stepped up when we needed them,” Guiao said of the Elasto Painters’ effort.
Five players finished in double-digits for Rain or Shine, with 17 points apiece from Paul Lee and Jeff Chan leading the way.
Even with a 2-0 series lead, the mentor expects nothing but the same from the Aces when the series resumes on Wednesday, even adding Aces forward Calvin Abueva “is due for a good game.”
“The difference (in this game) is, locals contributed to their scoring today. (Chris) Banchero, (RJ) Jazul scored a lot, even (Sonny) Thoss. Calvin hasn’t played his usual game yet but I think he is due for a good game,” Guiao shared, adding Rain or Shine is wary of how good Alaska is and that the team has to be ready.
“Everyone is going to think about their chances but we know they are a good team. They know we can come back. We also know that. We have to try harder in Game 3,” he said.
