Red-hot Rain or Shine is keeping its fingers crossed, hoping that luck will roll its way in the playoffs of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao said their fate in the playoffs is no longer in their hands so they have to work hard to sustain the momentum they built in the crucial stretch of the eliminations.
After dropping their first five matches, Rain or Shine made some key adjustments, resulting to a five-game winning run that gave them a ticket to the quarterfinals.
They can close out their elimination campaign with another win over Converge this Sunday that will give them the seventh spot and boost their confidence heading into the playoffs.
“It’s good that we’re winning. The chemistry is getting better, and there were close games our young players were able to endure,” Guiao said, adding that riding the crest of a long winning streak is both a blessing and a curse.
“Before, we were having a difficult time winning close matches, and now, they’ve embraced the challenge.”
“On the other hand, having a winning streak is like having a double-edged sword it could also hurt you because the pressure is greater, especially come playoffs because you only have one chance.”
Guiao admitted that they have no control over their fate, but they are in a good situation.
“All we can do is wait because we don’t have control of our fate. Our fate was sealed when we won our last game and that guaranteed us of a playoff spot,” Guiao said.
“But I would rather be in this position than losing.”
In the playoffs, Rain or Shine will be facing the No. 2 squad who will be armed with a twice-to-beat advantage.
Magnolia is currently at the top spot with a 9-2 win-loss record. Its position, however, could still change after dropping an 80-85 loss to Meralco in an out-of-town match in Iloilo City over the weekend.
The Bolts and Phoenix Super LPG were playing at press time. Should the Bolts prevail coupled by another victory over Terrafirma in their final elimination round game on Friday, they will march to the playoffs as the top-seeded team and the Hotshots would be relegated to No. 2 against the No. 7 Elasto Painters.
Interestingly, Rain or Shine is one of only two teams that were able to beat Magnolia, giving Guiao a flicker of hope over their playoff chances.
