In a game where the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters had battled a tough frontline, their head coach Yeng Guiao did not let Barangay Ginebra play their usual game, going with “quick” lineups to force Ginebra to adjust.
In the end, the Elasto Painters pulled away and booked a 94-86 win to enterthe playoffs.
With the game tied at 46-all, Guiao went with a unit that commanded attention and made enough space to lure Ginebra’s big men out of the paint.
Don Trollano, Jericho Cruz, Beau Belga, Jewel Ponferrada, and Maverick Ahanmisi combined for a 10-0 run which gave Rain or Shine a 56-46 edge. The team never looked back from that point.
“We had to run all-game long. That was the game plan. If we settled halfcourt, their size is going to be a disadvantage for us. We just wanted to keep the game quick,” Guiao said.
With Belga staying outside, Slaughter had to track his shot. Such instances opened the lanes for Ahanmisi and Cruz to drive strong as Ginebra lacked rim protectors. Rain or Shine also moved the ball well and kept Ginebra guessing.
Jeff Chan then took over in the fourth, scoring 14 of his 17 points. Rain or Shine shot 31 percent from three point area, out-rebounded Ginebra 42-39, and had a 24-11 lead in fastbreak points.
Beau Belga sets a screen for Jeff Chan
“Size is their biggest advantage but quickness is our biggest advantage so we just pushed the pace. Fortunately for us we were making shots and we were making life difficult for Greg Slaughter. I guess he was the key for his team and you just have to make it difficult for him,” Guiao added.
“We just played a little harder than usual. Ginebra is a tough team especially with their winning streak.”
With the win, the Elasto Painters tie Alaska at 6-1 atop the team standings. Guiao is happy the team is taking a week off, but is also wary the job is not yet done for the contenders.
“This a a good break for us. It is a good place to be at week’s break, tied for first place but we still have a tough schedule ahead of us.”
