Guiao believes that complacency cost them

CEBU, Philippines – Alaska Milk coach Alex Compton has often expressed his admiration for Rain or Shine counterpart Yeng Guiao’s coaching style, saying that the Hall of Fame coach’s teams play hard regardless of whether they’re ahead or behind in any particular game.

“They play the same all the time, works the same play all the time. You went up, you keep playing hard, you went up, you keep playing hard. These are the things we want to emulate,” Compton told sportswriters after steering the Aces to a 93-88 come from behind victory in Game Five of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.

But that attitude hasn’t always been there for Guiao’s Elasto Painters in this series, which they currently trail 3-2. In fact, Guiao believes that complacency has already cost them two crucial games in these semis.

“We know we have the capability to carve out a win, but sometimes we relax too soon,” Guiao admitted. “Nagre-relax kami ng maaga. Same mental practice we had in Game One. We relaxed too early.”

The fiery mentor remained positive, considering it a good sign that they have established big leads even in their losses in Game One and Five.

“It’s still a close series. We’ll make adjustments for Game Six. I’m confident we can bring it to a Game Seven. I don’t think we can establish those leads if we’re not capable of winning the game,” he added.

“I feel, if we bring it to a Game Seven, we can pull it through.”

The league takes a break from beginning December 28 and resumes on January 4. Both squads intend to give their players some much-needed rest, although neither team can afford to take long breaks as they make preparations for the all-important Game Six.

“We start practicing Monday, then take a break on December 31 and January 1, then January 2 and 3, practice ulit. We must allow them to spend time sa family,” Guiao said.

The coach believes that the break won’t favor his team specifically, but will benefit both sides.

“Yung long break is good for everybody. It will rest their guys because they like to press, kami ganun din. It doesn’t give anybody any advantage,” added Guiao.

Compton, though, doesn’t think that’s the case and he remains wary of the very experienced Guiao and his adjustments for the coming game.

“At this point, I don’t think anybody will be carrying a momentum for the next game. But yun na nga ang nakakatakot because with a Hall of Fame coach like Coach Yeng, I’m sure they’ll figure out a way to win Game Six and this break will give them enough time to prepare,” the Alaska coach said. – InterAKTV.com (FREEMAN)