The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ quick 3-0 start in the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup feels like a long time ago, with the way things are going for them midway in the import-laden conference.
The Elasto Painters are now on a downward spiral after Saturday’s 111-98 loss to the league-leading San Miguel Beermen. Not only did they receive a beating, but it also marked their third defeat in four outings.
And a dissatisfied head coach Caloy Garcia explained what went wrong, lamenting the poor support he received from his bench when San Miguel had made their run.
“Well we started the game flat,” rued Garcia. “We even had the lead in the beginning but we weren’t able to do what we wanted. Sinasabi ko sa mga players ko, nawala yung energy nung second group.
“That’s what I can’t understand.”
However, Garcia is more concerned with the way they had played defense against San Miguel. As a result, they allowed the Beermen to shoot 52 percent, score 20 points off fast breaks, and hit the passing lanes with 25 assists.
“I’m more worried about sa defense namin eh. Our rotations were slow. After the second, third passed, medyo we stopped on defense, and San Miguel made us pay for every mistake that we did,” rued Garcia.
With the recent slump Rain or Shine are in, the pressure is now on as they try to defend their Commissioner’s Cup crown. But the first-year head coach is not focused on this, choosing instead to prioritize working on the team’s chemistry before anything else.
“I’m just trying to think about how to get these players on the same page. Before the conference started, even after every game, whether we win or we lose, I’m telling the players that I still think we’re still a good team.
“The only problem is we have to be on the same page,” said Garcia.
