Who will stop the Rain? Powerade takes aim

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine, already on a record run, hopes to get going as it seeks win No. 5 against Powerade in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Barako Bull, meanwhile, brings back Leroy Hickerson in a bid to check its skid as it collides with Petron Blaze in the day’s other game.

Hickerson, who played for the same Lina Group ballclub in the 2010 Fiesta Cup averaging 32.8 points, 14.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists, takes over from Jamine Peterson.

“We’re at a crossroads,” said Barako coach Junel Baculi on their decision to change import.

The Energy and the Boosters clash in the 5:15 p.m. opener then the Elasto Painters and the Tigers collide in the 7:30 p.m. mainer.

Rain or Shine sets out for the battle against Powerade riding the crest of a franchise-record 4-0 conference start.

Coach Yeng Guiao and his troops established the mark as they nipped the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 93-90, on a clutch three-pointer by rookie Paul Lee.

“We’re happy we’re winning games – the close ones we’re able to stay focused; we’re able to play through the pressure moments,” said Guiao.

“It’s a good sign for the team. At the same time, it gives us a lot of confidence going to the last few games,” Guiao added.

Another win could well give Rain or Shine outright entry into the semifinal round. Five victories were enough for a semis passage in the same conference last year using the same format of competition.

“Rain or Shine is playing excellent basketball. Their import has been their source of energy. Our emphasis would be on how we could find a way to limit their output from their various attacks,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

“Every game is very important and we want to get our chance of winning it,” Perasol added.

The Tigers are also on a roll, making a turnaround from their scrambling start upon the arrival of Omar Sneed.

Sneed dished out an even bigger game in a follow-up to his near triple-double performance Friday and Gary David sustained his own fiery ways as Powerade made it two in a row with a 110-105 win over Talk n Text Sunday.

Sneed and David had monster performances with the former coming through with 32 points and 23 rebounds and the latter rifling in four triples and a total of 28 points as the Tigers roared past the Texters and hit the .500 mark with an even 2-2 win-loss slate.

Perasol said Sneed lifted their morale allowing them to get going after back-to-back losses to Petron Blaze and Barako Bull.

“How could you have no confidence when you have a teammate like Omar? He’ll give you a feeling that you can beat any team out there,” said Perasol.

“We’re in the middle of the pack now and it’s not over,” Perasol also said.