GIVEN a chance to live for another day, Rain or Shine vows to make the most out of this rare opportunity.
Coach Yeng Guiao considers the Elasto Painters' 113-97 win over TNT in Game 5 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals as a perfect opportunity to break through the best-of-seven series, moving them halfway of earning a shot at a first ever finals berth in almost a decade.
While the Tropang 5G still leads the series, 3-2, Guiao noted this has been the team's closest attempt of making it back to the championship round.
The Elasto Painters previously lost their two semifinals series against the Tropang 5G this season at 4-1 during the Governors' Cup and Commissioner's Cup, respectively.
"Good sign ito. Siyempre ayaw naming sayangin ito, ayaw naming sayangin yung opportunity. May chance pa naman, mahirap nga lang," he said following the 16-point win Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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"Habang may chance, we will take what we have."
Guiao noted though, how his team got a break with TNT playing without a suspended coach Chot Reyes (five technical fouls) and injured starters Kelly Williams (sprained ankle) and Roger Pogoy (hamstring).
But at the same time, the veteran coach said injuries are part and parcel of the game.
"It's always this way every time when you get at this stage. It becomes a game of attrition. Matira ang matibay," said Guiao.
"Kaya you have a longer rotation, it's always an advantage. You have a deeper bench, it's an advantage. Talagang minsan, may magbe-breakdown. Kasama na talaga lahat yun."
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Game 6 is set on Sunday also at the Big Dome, marking the first time this batch of Rain or Shine team will be playing this long in the playoffs.
Guiao said the Elasto Painters are certainly pumped up to stretch the series to a deciding game.
"I keep saying, one win. Make it a longer series. The longer the series, the better for our chances," he said. "So doon kami umaasa, Manalo pa kami ng minsan, may Game 7. At least ngayon, may Game 6." (RG)
