BLACKWATER is keen on taking to heart the lessons learned from a painful loss the last time out.
But that’s something easier said than done against an equally determined Rain or Shine side, according to Bossing coach Ariel Vanguardia
“Iyong record nila doesn’t really reflect the way they play. Mayroon din silang mga close games and last game super din inilaro nila,” Vanguardia said of the Elasto Painters.
“Maraming bata ang team na iyon pero nagkaka-experience na mga batang players nila.
Ang focus namin dapat, kailangan maging aware kami roon. Kami dapat aggressor against them,” he added.
Blackwater seeks to boost its quarterfinals hopes and its hold of fourth when it squares off with Rain or Shine today in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The curtain-raiser is set at 3 o’clock before Ginebra tries to bounce back from a lopsided defeat when it tangles with Meralco at 6 p.m.
The Bossing saw their four-game winning streak come to a screeching halt via a numbing 107-110 overtime setback to San Miguel last Sunday that dropped them to 5-2.
Upstart rookies Ato Ular and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Rey Suerte, and veterans Jvee Casio and Baser Amer are expected to carry the fight for Blackwater.
The E-Painters will go into battle on a high, having scored a 96-86 victory over NLEX four days ago that snapped their six-game losing skid.
“These guys have gone through so much adversity, the lessons that we’ve learned finally kicked in in order to get our second win,” Rain or Shine tactician Chris Gavina said.
“I’m really lost for words, how emotionally draining these past six losses had been because it hasn’t been like we’re getting blown out and our guys have been competing and fighting.
It’s hard for me to keep pushing the guys, and they just responded.”
The E-Painters will rely on Leonard Santillan, Gian Mamuyac, Mike Nieto, Rey Nambatac, Beau Belga, and Gabe Norwood to improve their 2-6 slate and break a tie with NorthPort and Phoenix.
The Kings absorbed a 92-106 loss at the hands of defending champion TNT last Sunday.
Carrying a 6-2 card, good for second, Ginebra will count on reigning MVP Scottie Thompson, Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar, Arvin Tolentino, Stanley Pringle, and LA Tenorio.
Chris Newsome, Aaron Black, Allein Maliksi, Cliff Hodge, Bong Quinto, and Raymond Almazan will lead the Bolts, who are coming off a 77-73 decision over Rain or Shine last Wednesday.
