On the brink of a commanding series lead, Rain or Shine looks to step harder on the gas pedal when it goes for a 3-0 lead over stumbling Magnolia in their best-of-seven semifinal affair in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
The Elasto Painters gun for the near-insurmountable cushion as they look to slay the Hotshots for the third straight time in Game 3 at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum before the league takes several days off in observance of the Holy Week.
Rain or Shine wants no signs of complacency as it looks to push Magnolia on the brink.
“We are where we want to be at this stage,” said Painters coach Caloy Garcia. “We’re in a good position but the job is not complete so we need to keep our focus.”
In Game 2, the Rain or Shine bench mob took center stage as it lead the Painters to another smooth victory over the ailing Hotshots.
The collective efforts of Norbert Torres, Ed Daquioag, Javee Mocon, Mark Borboran and Kris Rosales fueled the Painters in their impressive 93-80 rout of the Hotshots Sunday night.
Rain or Shine veteran gunner James Yap expects his teammates to once again answer the call as they look to close in on a finals berth.
“Alam nila na sa semifinals, kailangan ready at magtulungan lahat para mai-panalo namin,” said Yap. “Kailangan ulit namin lahat para makalapit kami sa finals.”
For its part, Magnolia is looking to regain its success from the quarterfinals.
In two game thus far, the Hotshots were unable to find their rhythm as they are yet to find the solution to the Painters’ stingy defense.
