Despite of arriving late, coach Yeng Guiao happy for Rain or Shine

After arriving at the game in the late stages of the third quarter, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao chose to play the role of mere spectator while watching his Elasto Painters dismantle Barako Bull Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

“Mas masarap pala yung nanonood ka lang kasi walang pressure,” Guiao told InterAKTV.


Guiao watched the end of the game, which saw seldom-used guard Jonathan Uyloan play a career performance as well as Paul Lee’s return to form.

Uyloan finished with 18 points, three steals and two blocks while Lee had 16 points on top of six assists and four rebounds.

“Masaya kami to see Paul Lee back in the game as well as to see Jonathan Uyloan playing his best game,” said Guiao.

“Nakaplano na talaga na mag-start sa amin si Jonathan because yung starting unit namin, we already plan it a day before the game. Before the game, I called up Coach Caloy, I gave him very general instructions because I know he can coach anyway.”

Garcia had been the Elasto Painters’ coach before Guiao took over two seasons ago.

“Our objective is to regain some momentum after two losses and be able to play Paul Lee, to allow him to get the feel of the game. True enough, he played a good game and that’s a good sign for us. With the way he played, we can say that he will certainly add a new dimension to our game going to the quarterfinals,” said Guiao, who was stuck in traffic coming from his home province Pampanga, where he serves as vice governor.

“I left Pampanga around 1:30 p.m., pero may construction sa NLEX, mahaba yung traffic. I was still confident I can make it, but then, again, I was caught in traffic sa Mindanao Ave. When I went sa loob ng UP, traffic na naman, so nag-C5 ako. At around 5:30 nasa C5 pa lang ako. So that’s all for the traffic update.”

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Rain or Shine erased Barako Bull

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao was caught in heavy Friday traffic, failing to make it in time for the start of the Elasto Painters’ match against Barako Bull at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

But Guiao had specific instructions for chief deputy Caloy Garcia — starting the game with seldom-used Jonathan Uyloan before bringing in the returning Paul Lee at the six minute mark in the first quarter — and the tactical moves worked to perfection in an easy 116-101 victory.

Uyloan played the game of his career, finishing with 18 points, three steals, and two blocks, while Lee played as if he hadn’t missed Rain or Shine’s past 18 games dating back to last season, contributing 16 points, six assists, and four rebounds.

They led six players who scored in double-figures as Rain or Shine finished the elimination round with a 9-5 record.


“Unexpected naming ma-le-late si Coach Yeng, but when he called up, we thought na baka hindi na siya umabot,” said Caloy Garcia, who took over the reins of the squad. “His first instruction when he called up is to field in Paul Lee after six minutes, then have Jonathan starting for us.

“The nice thing about this win was everybody stepped up.”

Jervy Cruz also scored a career-high 23 points on 10-for-17 shooting from the field.

Jeff Chan and JR Quinahan each had 11 points while Beau Belga chipped in 10 for the Elasto Painters.

The loss eliminated Barako Bull (4-10) from playoff contention, giving the Air 21 Express (5-9) the last ticket to the quarterfinals.

The scores:

Rain or Shine 116 – Cruz 23, Uyloan 18, Lee 16, Chan 11,Quinahan 11, Belga 10, Tiu 8, Norwood 8, Rodriguez 4, Arana 4, Jaime 3, Matias 0, Tang 0.

Barako Bull 101 – Seigle 21, Tubid 17, Yap 16, Kramer 15, cruz 13, Anthony 11, marcelo 8, Najorda 0, Pennisi 0.

Quarters: 32-19; 54-47; 86-66; 116-101

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Chris Tiu itching for his first win after injury

0-2.

That is the win-loss record of Rain or Shine since prized rookie Chris Tiu returned after re-injuring his hamstring.


“I’m already 0-2 since my come back,” Tiu told InterAKTV. “Although I was playing better now, I have yet to win a game since my return.

“I can’t wait to get that win.”

Tiu had his most productive game in the PBA Sunday night against San Mig Coffee, finishing with 12 points and 5-for-5 shooting from the line.

He showed poise playing the point guard position for Rain or Shine, helping the team nearly complete a rally from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter before falling just short late in the game.

Rain or Shine also lost to Ginebra last Sunday in Tiu’s first game back.

“We were up against two of the most popular and more formidable teams in the league, but that’s not an excuse. I’m still looking to get that win. Hopefully, it will come against Barako Bull,” said Tiu.

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James Yap wants to bounce back for San Mig Coffee

James Yap struggled all game long against Rain or Shine, but his team got the job done.

Seeing his team victorious made him forget about his nine-point output on miserable 3-of-15 shooting as the Mixers fortified their chances of clinching one of the top two spots, which come with them a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.


“Yun naman ang mas importante, yung manalo. I expect my teammates to step up every time na nag-struggle ako,” said Yap in an exclusive interview with InterAKTV.

“Let’s give credit din sa defense ng Rain or Shine. Maganda depensa nila.”

But while Yap vowed to have a bounce back game in the team’s next outing against GlobalPort, he understands that his team is facing a dangerous opponent.

“Out na sila di ba? That makes GlobalPort the most dangerous team. Pinakamahirap na kalaban yung team na naglalaro na lang at wala nang bearing ang game,” said Yap.

“Kailangan talaga naming itong paghandaan. We need to get ourselves focused on the game.”

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Paul Lee will return against Barako Bull

Paul Lee will return for Rain or Shine’s final assignment in the elimination round against Barako Bull, according to coach Yeng Guiao.

“That’s my intention,” said Guiao in an exclusive interview. “Parati naman siyang naka-suit up, pero ang question lang is kung kelan siya maglalaro. I intend to use him in our game against Barako Bull to prepare him for the playoffs.”

Lee, last season’s Rookie of the Year, has been joining the team’s practice sessions and looks ready to get back.


“Of course, there’s a difference between practice and actual game. Sa ensayo, iniingatan siya ng mga kakampi niya. Sa laro, teams will attack him and pounce on him,” said Guiao.

The Elasto Painters have recently welcomed another returning player, rookie Chris Tiu, who has played the team’s last two games.

Tiu is excited on the prospect of playing alongside Lee.

“I’m excited. What more can you ask for this team? This team really has strong character and I’m really proud to be part of this group,” said Tiu. “We’ve been playing good basketball, and I think we will be better if we have Paul Lee playing for our team.”

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PBA Standings as of December 2, 2012

In PBA Super Ball Sunday action, Barako Bull halted two streaks — their own four-game losing skid and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s five-game winning run — after an 83-79 victory over the Gin Kings at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
In the second game, San Mig Coffee survived another late challenge from Rain or Shine, eking out a 93-92 victory.

Team	W	L	PCT	GB	STREAK
Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters	11	2	0.846	-	W4
San Mig Coffee Mixers	9	3	0.5	1.5	W2
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters	8	5	0.615	3	L2
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel	7	6	0.538	4	L1
Meralco Bolts	7	6	0.538	4	W1
Alaska Aces	7	6	0.538	4	W2
Petron Blaze Boosters	6	7	0.462	5	L1
Air 21 Express	4	9	0.308	7	L4
Barako Bull Energy Colas	4	9	0.308	7	W1
GlobalPort Batang Pier	1	11	0.083	9.5	L8

pba standings

San Mig Coffee comes with a twice-to-beat advantage against Rain or Shine

The San Mig Coffee Mixers tightened its grip on second place in the Philippine ciup standings, but not before surviving a scare from the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 93-92, Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.


It was the ninth win in 12 games for the Mixers, who had to make two crucial defensive stops in the last nine seconds to come away with the victory.

San Mig Coffee squandered a double-digit fourth quarter lead against Rain or Shine, which also rallied from a big deficit to win in the two teams’ first meeting.

The Mixers were still up four points, 93-89, with 11.5 seconds when Marc Pingris fouled Jeff Chan from beyond the arc. The Rain or Shine sharpshooter made all three of his free throws, before the Elasto Painters forced a turnover on Peter June Simon, the game’s top scorer with 24 points.

That gave the Elasto Painters two final chances to win the game, but Pingris foiled an attempt by Chan before Rafi Reavis forced Beau Belga into a miss.

With the win, San Mig Coffee moved a game and a half clear of Rain or Shine for second place, which comes with it a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. The Elasto Painters’ win-loss record dropped to 8-5.

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Barako stop Ginebra to win number six

Barako Bull held off a late charge by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to come away with an 83-79 victory Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The win comes at a crucial time for Barako Bull, which snapped a four-game losing streak to move into a tie with idle Air 21 for the final quarterfinal spot with identical 4-9 records. The Energy Colas did it at the expense of what had been the hottest team in the tournament, as Ginebra had won five straight matches coming into the game.


“Siguro dahil sa napakagandang laro ng Ginebra last time, the tendency is to go down. But without taking away the effort of the players, we really played a hell of a defense. Ngayon pa lang gumagana yung defense na gusto naming mangyari, which we tried to adopt ever since my good friend coach Junel Baculi was coaching the team,” said Barako Bull coach Bong Ramos, who won his first PBA game since returning to the helm of the squad.

“Our defense was there even during our game against Meralco where we limited Sol Mercado, the No.1 scorer in the league as well as Mark Cardona and Ronjay Buenafe. Sadly, nakalusot lang yung mga role players nila, like Kelly Nabong.”

Barako Bull led for most of the first half, before Ginebra opened with a hot third quarter to briefly take the lead, 39-38, on a Rico Maierhofer layup. But the Energy Colas ended the period with a 13-7 run to take a 52-45 advantage heading into the final period.

The rampage continued for Barako Bull in the fourth quarter, pushing the lead to 11 points, 58-47, on a Ronald Tubid three-pointer. Mark Caguioa scored four points in a quick 6-2 Ginebra run, before Barako Bull rattled off a 10-2 blast to take its biggest lead, 70-55.

There was plenty of fight left in Ginebra, which rallied with Caguioa on the bench once more to cut the Barako advantage to just five points, 76-71. But Roger Yap, who scored 14 points and handed out five assists, hit a crucial three-pointer with less than a minute left to push the lead out of reach, 79-71.

Ronald Tubid scored 18 points to lead five players in double figures for Barako Bull, while Leo Najorda had 12 of his 14 points in the second half.

Ginebra’s win-loss record dropped to 7-6 into a three-way tie for fourth to sixth places with Alaska and Meralco.

The scores:

BARAKO BULL 83 – Tubid 18, Najorda 14, Yap 14, Cruz 10, Seigle 10, Kramer 6, Pennisi 6, Anthony 4, Ballesteros 1.

GINEBRA 79 – Helterbrand 18, Caguioa 13, Ellis 12, Mamaril 12, Maierhofer 8, Tenorio 8, Raymundo 6, Wilson 2, Taha 0, Maliksi 0, Espiritu 0, Hatfield 0.

Quarters: 16-17, 29-26, 52-45, 83-79

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San Mig Coffee against Rain or Shine; Ginebra battles Barako

San Mig Coffee and Rain or Shine collide in a crucial encounter that would take the winner closer to the No. 2 spot in the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Mixers (8-3) and the Elasto Painters (8-4) meet at 6:30 p.m. with the winner getting an inside track for one of the remaining top two spots, with Talk ‘N Text (11-2) is expected to grab the top spot. The first and second place teams will enjoy twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinals.

In the opener, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel tries to extend its winning streak against Barako Bull at 4:15 p.m.

“Rain or Shine is always a challenge to play against. We’ve played a number of significant games against them lately and this is another one since the winner will have the inside track on the number two seed,” said San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone.

“We’ve got a healthy lineup for the first time in a long time against them, so we’ll see if that can give us an edge this time.”

San Mig Coffee is coming off an 89-80 win against Air 21 to bounce back from a 29-point defeat at the hands of the Tropang Texters.

The Elasto Painters of coach Yeng Guiao are coming off a 97-90 loss to the Kings to slide to third spot.

“This is our most important game. This will determine our future this conference. If we win, we’re still in the hunt for the top two,” said Guiao.

In the opener, Ginebra hopes to stay in the top four with a win against the slumping Energy Colas.

The Kings are in solo fourth place with a 7-5 win-loss mark while Barako Bull, at 3-9, must win its last two matches to stay on track for at least a playoff for the No. 8 spot.

“Maganda at nananalo kami but we still cannot let our guard down,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen. “Barako Bull’s fighting for their life so all out sila. We have to keep our concentration.”

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Alaska Eliminate GlobalPort

The Alaska Aces took care of business in Dipolog City Saturday, downing a tough GlobalPort side, 101-95, for their second straight win in the Philippine Cup.

Calvin Abueva led Alaska with 21 points and 12 rebounds in his second game back from illness, which has coincided with the Aces’ return to their winning ways after four straight defeats.

The result took the Batang Pier officially out of contention after suffering their 11th loss in 12 games, while giving the Aces a better chance at finishing in at least sixth to avoid a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the quarterfinals.

But Alaska had to survive a late scare from GlobalPort, which rode on the hot hand of Rey Guevarra to cut a 12-point fourth quarter deficit down to just two points, 79-77. The Aces responded with seven straight points to gain more breathing room.


The Batang Pier still had plenty of fight in them, as Guevarra strung four straight points to keep within striking distance, 86-81, with two minutes left. Steady free throw shooting by JVee Casio and Tony Dela Cruz, however, put the game out of reach late despite a spree of three-point shooting from Willie Miller.

Alaska’s win-loss record improved to 7-6 to tie Meralco at fifth and sixth spots, one game ahead of seventh-placed Petron.

Placing at least sixth is crucial for any team, since the seventh- and eighth-place teams have to beat twice the second- and first-place teams, respectively, to advance to the semifinals. The third-place team faces the sixth-place team while the fourth- and fifth-placer battle in best-of-three quarterfinals series.

The scores:

ALASKA 101 – Abueva 21, Casio 18, Baguio 11, Dela Cruz 11, Baracael 11, Espinas 10, Jazul 7, Eman 4, Reyes 2, Hontiveros 2, Thoss 2, Belasco 2, Laure 0.

GLOBALPORT 95 – Miller 22, Guevarra 17, Manuel 16, David 7, Salvador 6, Mandani 6, Deutchman 5, Yee 4, Vanlandingham 4, Antonio 3, Lingganay 2, Vergara 2, Al-Hussaini 1, Crisano 0.

Quarters: 28-25, 46-40, 73-61, 101-95
-InterAKTV

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