Guiao upbeat on Rain or Shine's All-Filipino Cup campaign

MANILA, Philippines -- Despite the quarterfinal exit of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, head coach Yeng Guiao is optimistic of the chances of the team in the All-Filipino Conference.

Guiao and Rain or Shine bowed out of contention after falling against the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen, 127-122, Friday evening.

The Painters clawed back from a 22-point deficit, 125-103, with about six minutes remaining and cut the lead to just five.

However, the comeback was too late.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Guiao said he is positive that the team could be contending in the All-Filipino Conference later this year.

“We have a lot of positive indications in our team. We should be contending in the All-Filipino,” the coach told reporters in Filipino.

The team lost five straight games to start the conference.

They then won the next six to clinch a quarterfinal berth, where they faced the Beermen.

In Friday’s loss, a total of eight players finished in double figures.

Import Demetrius Treadwell led the team with 22 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

The locals also played well for the team, as Rey Nambatac added 16 points off the bench.

Rookies Keith Datu and Adrian Nocum chipped in 14 markers.

Gian Mamuyac, Andrei Caracut, Santi Santillan and Jhonard Clarito also had 13, 12, 11 and 10, respectively.

“I see a lot of potential in our young locals… We were in very adverse situations [in the game], but we came back twice,” Guiao said.

“To me, those are good signs, especially with a young team. My enthusiasm and anticipation are high for the team’s improvement,” he added.

The team was unable to field rookie Luis Villegas this conference as he is still recovering from an ACL injury.