RAIN or Shine and NLEX, the league’s top two squads, resume their respective bids to secure the twice-to-beat advantage in the next round as they tangle with separate opponents on Saturday in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
The Elasto Painters clash with the revitalized Magnolia Hotshots (4-4) at 7:30 p.m., following the 5:15 p.m. game between NLEX (6-2) and Terrafirma (3-5).
Rain or Shine saw its franchise-best start of seven consecutive wins come to an end following a narrow 83-87 setback at the hands of the giant-slaying Phoenix team.
That game saw the usually efficient Elasto Painters shoot just over 30 percent from the floor, while their customary running game was slowed down by the Fuel Masters.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said they can’t take that first loss too hard, knowing that losing a game is inevitable at some point in the tournament.
Now, all they need to do is get their acts together and learn the lessons from that loss so they can bounce back strong.
“Overall, we’re really OK. We’re still number one (in the team standings) so we will try to keep the objective and try to secure the twice-to-beat (incentive),” he said.
“I think if you’re looking at it from the positive perspective, it’s time to reset,” he added.
The top four teams at the end of the elimination round will have the twice-to-beat edge against their respective opponents in the first round of the playoffs.
The Hotshots, on the other hand, are slowly rounding up to form since opening the conference with three straight losses under rookie coach LA Tenorio.
New import Clint Chapman has fit in well since replacing Nuni Omot, averaging 28.2 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists, while shooting over 50 percent from three-point zone.
The 37-year-old Chapman will be ranged against Rain or Shine’s burly import Jaylen Johnson, who averaged 24.4 points, 14.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 blocks, while shooting 44 percent from three-point distance.
Of course, Magnolia’s defense will be put to a test as it tries to slow down Rain or Shine’s young and energetic crew that thrives in its up-tempo game. Meanwhile, NLEX will try to redeem itself since dropping a 98-94 decision to San Miguel last Sunday.
The Road Warriors are taking on a Dyip side that has lost their last five games since speeding off to a 3-0 start.
