E-PAINTERS HOPE TO SEAL DEAL

by **Ginebra Tambayan** Tue Dec 20, 2011 9:05 pm

E-PAINTERS HOPE TO SEAL DEAL
Published on December 20, 2011

RAIN or Shine iS planning on giving itself an early holiday treat.

“It would be a nice Christmas gift to ourselves if we can make the semifinals by tomorrow,” said coach Yeng Guiao Tuesday as his Elasto Painters try to seal their PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals deal with Ginebra at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

It is one very tantalizing prospect and Rain or Shine put itself in the enviable position after turning the tables on the perennial crowd favorites in the series opener last Friday.

In that game the E-Painters came charging back from a 17-point deficit in the third period to hack out a 112-105 overtime victory, one which Guiao termed as, “coming back from the jaws of hell.”

That is one experience Guiao does not relish going through again.

“We have to play our best basketball to beat Ginebra,” stressed Guiao, ever wary of the Kings’ vaunted never-say-die spirit.

“They’re more dangerous with their backs against the wall,” he added.

In their series opener, JR Quinahan and Paul Lee combined for 29 of Rain or Shine’s league-high 43 fourth quarter points, but Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen maintains it was his team which let the game slip away.

“We can’t give up 40 free throws to Rain or Shine,” said Tanquingcen, referring to the number of charities awarded the E-Painters of which they converted 30. Lee’s 19 points alone were built around 12-for-13 shooting from the stripes.

“We have to stay focused mentally the whole game,” added Tanquingcen.

Mark Caguioa finished with a gamehigh 25 points and Mike Cortez added 15 and 12 rebounds, but the likes of Rob Labagala, Jayjay Helterbrand, John Wilson and Ronald Tubid were practically non-factors.

That doesn’t mean the threat has vanished, as Guiao is fully aware of.

“Our main concern is still containing their guards,” said the tactician. “Our offense can take care of itself.” (nc)

Source: PBA.ph