Guiao not giving up despite 1-3 hole

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao remained upbeat despite his team bowing for the third straight game in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Downed 1-3 to the surging San Mig Super Coffee Mixers, Guiao is not about to give up on his team.

“It’s a tough loss. But again, we’re not giving this series up till it’s over. We’ll come back Sunday. We’ll try to get back into this series,” said Guiao.

For the second straight game, the Painters just could not get the breaks in the endgame. Rain or Shine top playmaker Paul Lee’s potential game-tying trey at the buzzer just rimmed out.

Guiao lauded the effort of his boys to rally from the 10-point halftime deficit.

“I commend the team for not giving up and coming back into this game. I thought we had a great third quarter and played well heading into the fourth,” Guiao added.

The Elasto Painters pounced on Marc Pingris’ early exit due to an eye injury as they outscored the Mixers, 34-18, and took a 76-70 lead into the final quarter.

Related story: Doc guarantees Pingris to play in Game 5

But San Mig leaned on rookie Ian Sangalang, who stepped up big time for the injured Pingris, and Mark Barroca late in the game to hack out the thrilling 93-90 win and moved within one win away from wrapping up a second straight championship. 

Read also: Sangalang steps up in Pingris' absence