LEAGUE-LEADING Rain or Shine aims to extend its rousing start as it shoots for a fourth straight victory in the resumption of the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
However, this won’t be an easy task for the Elasto Painters (3-0) as they will be tested by a streaking and confident GlobalPort (2-1) at 7 p.m. in the main event at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City today.
In the appetizer, NLEX (2-1) tries to get back on track when it squares off with still winless Mahindra (0-3) in the 4:15 p.m. opener.
Despite missing the services of superstar Paul Lee due to injury, Rain or Shine is showing the entire league its firepower as it is still playing at a high-level en route to this undefeated start.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao explained why his squad is enjoying this dazzling start.
“The guys are putting on a good effort in helping each other out, that’s why we’re having a good start,’’ said Guiao. “Nagtutulungan talaga kami in the absence of Paul (Lee) and we’re hoping to keep this up.’’
The Elasto Painters were in a beast mode when they dealt defending champion San Miguel Beer a 99-84 beating last week in a battle of powerhouses.
But Rain or Shine needs to be wary of the dynamic three-guard combo of GlobalPort stars Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle and Joseph Yeo.
That triumvirate is responsible for the Batang Pier’s two-win run, showcasing effective scoring and playmaking abilities. They were vital in GlobalPort’s 105-91 overtime victory over Barako Bull last Sunday.
Batang Pier coach Pido Jarencio even emphasized the importance of this meeting with Rain or Shine.
“Importante sa amin itong game versus Rain or Shine. May mission itong team to win and we’re taking it one day at a time,’’ he said. “Maganda iyong preparation namin for this game against Rain or Shine kasi we got tested in our last game.’’
Currently, GlobalPort is tied with the Road Warriors and Talk ‘N Text at fourth place and a third straight win will allow the Batang Pier to tie Alaska, San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine at the top of the heap.
The Road Warriors can do the same thing should they triumph over Mahindra.
Following its 2-0 start, NLEX’s streak was snapped last Sunday when it bowed to Star, 97-95, in a tight game.
The Road Warriors will be favored against the Enforcers, who are yet to win a game after three tries.
Mahindra was tripped by the Aces, 98-94, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last week.
Games Friday
(Philsports Arena, Pasig City)
4:15 p.m. • NLEX vs. Mahindra
7 p.m. • Rain or Shine vs. GlobalPort