After dealing the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters their first loss of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup with a 98-94 overtime win Sunday evening, the streaking Rain or Shine Elasto Painters now sit atop the team standings.
Moreover, Rain or Shine have become the first team in this season’s all-Filipino tilt to book a spot in the quarterfinals. They have improved their card to 6-1 – just three wins away from tying their best start in franchise history.
But Beau Belga refuses to settle.
“Title lang sa elimination yung six-one. Useless yung six-one and top seed kung ‘di ka aabot ng malayo sa conference,” said the 11-year slotman after the match. Belga collected 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
“Yun yung pinaka-challenge sa ‘min.”
The Elasto Painters’ run is particularly impressive since they were able to rack up victories despite their grueling schedule. Sunday was their seventh game in less than a month.
The 32-year-old admitted that it has been taking a toll on them, but winning at the end makes it all worth it.
“Yun ang kagandahan noon, kahit sunud-sunod ang laro, naipapanalo namin. Actually, most of the guys may nararamdaman – ako from Friday may ubo tsaka sipon ako,” admitted the two-time PBA champion, recalling Friday’s match versus the NorthPort Batang Pier.
“Pero wala, kailangan laruin dahil magku-kulang kami sa tao eh. Good thing pagkatapos ng Wednesday, mahaba-haba yung pahinga (due to FIBA break), makaka-recover yung katawan.“
