Painters seek 2-0 lead vs Bolts

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine tries to get one foot into the finals as the Elasto Painters go for a two-game-to-nil lead versus the Meralco Bolts at the resumption of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinal showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

“It will by no means be easy because Meralco will be ready and will come out harder at us, but we are ready to match their intensity,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao of their readiness for the 5 p.m. Easter Sunday contest.

“Rebound was our main problem in Game One, and we hope to get better at it this time. Our defense held up so we need to replicate the same effort,” Guiao also said.

The Bolts understand that they’re now in a virtual must-win situation, and they hope to play with more energy and intensity in Game Two.

“The last thing you want to do is go down 0-2 in a best of five series,” said Meralco coach Norman Black.

Hopefully, we have tasted what it feels like to be in the semis and we will respond better and with more energy in Game Two. Things we have to do well remain the same. We must slow down their fast breaks and do a better job versus their pick and roll offense,” Black added.

Both, however, are expected to come out strong while returning from a four-day respite.

The much-experienced team, the Elasto Painters outplayed the Bolts in the crunch and carved out a 99-86 win in the series opener Tuesday.

“It’s good we gained the momentum offense-wise but they have enough time to prepare for the next game,” said Guiao.

The four-day break has also served the Elasto Painters well, especially Jeff Chan who needed time to heal an injured leg.

With Chan good for just a few minutes, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Jericho Cruz, Jervy Cruz and Raymond Almazan helped import Wayne Chism deliver the goods as Rain or Shine closed in on a fifth finals in the nine conferences.

No doubt, the Elasto Painters have the edge on experience and depth.

 “Paul (Lee) is still the key, Jericho (Cruz) played one hell of a game. Jeric (Teng) gave quality minutes. Beau (Belga) and JR (Quinahan) were not their usual selves, but I have a lot of confidence on our small guys,” said Guiao.

“Playing time is always good for rookies, two of them coming out of injuries. We’ll be needing them in the series, every warm body we can make use of,” Guiao also said.

In the other best-of-five Final Four faceoff, Purefoods Star also goes for a 2-0 lead versus Talk n Text at 7 p.m. tomorrow also at the Big Dome.