RAIN or Shine was the first team to secure a playoff spot after opening the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup with seven straight wins. The team, however, has lost its bearings after losing three of its last four games.
Heading into their final game in the elimination round, the Elasto Painters will try to get their form back when they go up against also-ran Titan Ultra Giant Risers on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
Rain or Shine tote an 8-3 record, tied with Barangay Ginebra for a share of second and third spots in the standings, behind NLEX’s 10-2 card.
NLEX will enter the playoffs as the top seed.
The clash between the Elasto Painters and the Giant Risers begin at 7:30 p.m. after the 5:15 p.m. tussle between Meralco and Terrafirma.
“We’re in, but we’re not satisfied with how we’ve been playing,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said.
“The twice-to-beat is there, but it means nothing if we go to the quarterfinals out of sync. This game is about getting our rhythm back.”
Rain or Shine’s alarming skid began when it lost to Phoenix (83-87) and NLEX (90-92). The team outlasted Magnolia (91-82) but was manhandled by Barangay Ginebra, 114-90, the following game.
For Titan Ultra, the team will try to end the elimination round with a bang. At 2-9, the team no longer have the chance to make the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Meralco looks to solidify its position in the top 4 when it battles Terrafirma in the opening game.
The Bolts are eyeing their straight win against the Dyip, who saw their playoff bid come to an end after getting thrashed by the San Miguel Beermen, 126-110.
Marvin Jones may not be a high-scoring import, but he gets the job done through his rebounding and interior defense.
Of course, the seven-foot Jones gets a lot of help from Meralco’s veteran core of Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero and Bong Quinto, along with sophomore wingman CJ Cansino and rookie Jason Brickman.
“One game at a time. We’re locked in on Terrafirma,” said Trillo, whose team rolled past Blackwater, 108-93, last Sunday.
The Bolts are currently at fourth place in the team standings with a 7-3 mark.
“We know how important it is to get the top four,” added Banchero.
“We’ve been on the outside for the last few conferences, so to get into the top four would be a huge boost for our team. But we know that just because we have that we can’t let our guard down.”
Meralco’s final game of the elims will be on Sunday against Magnolia.
“I’ve been playing for a very long time and I know when you have a championship-caliber import and he’s one of those so we don’t want to waste this chance,” added the Filipino-Italian guard.
