Basketball
Rain or Shine, Petron in crucial battle in Dumaguete City
AKTV/Pranz Kaeno Billones
League-leading Rain or Shine tries to protect its place at the top Saturday when it takes on Petron Blaze in a crucial PBA Governors’ Cup match in Dumaguete City.
The Elasto Painters, who tote 6-1 win-loss card, battle the Boosters in a crucial match that will be broadcast at 9:00 p.m. on AKTV.
Despite being assured of a slot in the semifinals, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao doesn’t want his players taking their feet off the gas pedal, because records from the eliminations are carried over to the next round.
Petron, meanwhile, is coming off a victory over the B-MEG Llamados courtesy of a 29-point explosion from Jay Washington, and that firepower worries Guiao.
“Petron is a better team now than three weeks ago,” said Guiao of Petron, which lost three of four games before the victory over B-MEG.
“Their game is peaking and we have to play them when they are most dangerous.”
The Elasto Painters are once again expected to rely on hulking import Jamelle Cornley and sharpshooter Jeff Chan. Star rookie Paul Lee is also expected back in action after injuring his shoulder in Rain or Shine’s last victory over Barako Bull.
Washington and import Eddie Basden are once again looked at to lead the charge for Petron, which will also banner stars Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, and Chris Lutz. Veteran shooting guard Dondon Hontiveros, who returned to action against B-MEG after a lengthy layoff because of injury, is expected to see more action for the Boosters.
