League-leading Rain or Shine looks to display its winning formula once more when it shoots for a fifth straight win in the continuation of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Armed with a four-game winning streak, the red-hot Elasto Painters (6-1) get tested by struggling Magnolia (0-2) at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena today.
In the opener, Alaska (1-1) and Blackwater (1-5) collide at 4:30 p.m.
Playing with a refreshed approach, Rain or Shine has surged to the top with a fiery start to the season.
That might have a lot to do with Painters’ coach Caloy Garcia’s new equal-opportunity approach.
Veterans like James Yap and Beau Belga are enjoying career renaissances, while youthful talent Rey Nambatac and Kris Rosales are also starting to emerge as well.
“The good thing is we have different players stepping up for us, that’s why we’re getting the wins,” said Garcia. “We can’t be complacent, though. We know it gets harder every game.”
The Painters’ last victim was Phoenix as it reigned supreme in the battle of the league’s top two teams last Sunday, 98-94 in overtime.
While Rain or Shine is enjoying success thus far, Magnolia is heading opposite direction.
The Hotshots have come out flat as they dropped their initial two assignments.
“We need to play with a sense of urgency now and rediscover how to win,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero of what his team needs at the moment.
Alaska is looking for its second straight win when it meets Blackwater.
After dropping its opener, the Aces bounced back with a 94-72 dumping of Columbian Dyip last week to break into the winning column.
On the other hand, the Elite is on a tail-end of a three-game losing streak and is in need of wins now to remain in the running for the top eight.
Following today’s double-header, the league is bound to take a two-week break to give way to the FIBA Qualifiers and support the National Team.