B-MEG, Rain or Shine clash in ‘momentum-shifting’ Game Three

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

B-MEG coach Tim Cone calls Game Three a “momentum-shifter.”

The Llamados hope momentum goes on their side as they eye their second straight win against Rain or Shine in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals Friday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The two collide at 6:45 p.m. with the Elasto Painters playing minus top gunner Paul Lee, who is now doubtful in the best-of-seven championship series due to a dislocated shoulder.

B-MEG knotted the series to 1-all with an 85-80 win last Wednesday behind James Yap’s big shot in the dying moments.

“Whoever can get Game Three takes definite command of the series,” said Cone, who admits that the loss of Lee, possibly for the series, would place them as heavy favorites.

“It’s a momentum-shifter. We need to have extraordinary focus to prevent coach Yeng (Guiao’s) team from coming back. Everyone knows how hard his teams play,” he added.

Lee, the leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year plum, reinjured his shoulder in the closing minutes of Game Two but Rain or Shine coach Guiao is confident that they can win the series with or without his top rookie.

“I still like our chances. We are not discouraged. We have five games to do that,” said Guiao.

The temperamental mentor said Cone’s statements about the refereeing after their 91-80 loss in the series opener ‘helped’ B-MEG in tying the series but Guiao said they won’t complain and will just focus and be ready in Game Three.

Cone refused to comment anymore but admitted he’s just happy that they were able to prune down the series into a best-of-five affair.

“They seem to be our contrapelo,” said Cone, winner of 14 PBA titles including a rare grandslam feat in 1996 with Alaska.

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