Rain or Shine’s Guiao says team is driven by ‘destiny’ to win title

MANILA, Philippines – “We will fight it out to the end.”

If there is one promise Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao can bid with conviction, it’s that the Elasto Painters will battle until their very last breath.

After dominating the elimination round and cruising past a struggling Petron Blaze squad in the semifinals, Guiao’s Elasto Painters is faced with a very unfamiliar situation, losing three straight games before carving out a life-saver of a win in Game 5 on Sunday.

“We’re still looking to make the championship. One thing I told the boys, we cannot lose that sense of destiny even if we’re behind,” Guiao said after a grueling Game 5 victory.

“It’s not over. We have to believe in ourselves. A big win like this can turn the complexion around in our favor.”

Realizing the series isn’t over yet, the fiery mentor wants his troops to remain intact and exert a gargantuan effort no matter what it takes.

The Elasto Painters are shooting for a very rare feat of becoming only the fourth team in PBA’s 39-year-history to overcome a 1-3 deficit and win it all. It is easier said that done, and Guiao knows the immeasurable effort they will need to turn a weak glint into a superior shimmer.

“We will try to delay or postpone the celebration of San Mig. If we can delay it enough, it becomes our celebration.”

No signs of letting up

Being the motivator and disciplinarian that he is, Guiao also reminded his boys not to show any signs of conceding, even if drained, discouraged or fatigued. The Elasto Painters lived for another day with their head coach serving some sort of a threat.

“Wag na wag sila magpapakita na hindi sila lalaban or gigive up sila even in their body language. Never show me you’re getting to give up. Pag pinakita nila sakin yun, sabi ko tatapusin ko ung career nila dito,” he said, drawing laughter from members of the press. (Don’t you dare show me any sign that you’re giving up or not putting up a fight. Never show me you’re getting to give up. If they show me that, I’ll end their careers.)

To which, his boys responded by not giving up.

Attack mode for Chan and Lee?

Jeff Chan averaged just 8.5 points on a miserable 1-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc in Games 3 and 4, where Paul Lee took over with a 25.5-point average.

But in Game 5, the deadly sniper finally waxed hot and delivered big time for the Elasto Painters, scoring 23 points in the second half to lead a sensational turnaround for Guiao’s army.

Right after the game, Chan said he was in attack mode, but he would want Lee and him to explode at the same time to make it an easier task for RoS.

“Attack mode. Ayaw kong i-give up yung game at gusto ko pang maglaro. Goal namin umabot pa ng Game 7,” the former FEU Tamaraw said. (I’m in attack mode. I didn’t want to give up the game. I still want to play and our goal is to make it to Game 7.)

“Si Paul nabantayan. Kailangan ko talaga mag-contribute. Hopefully next game (magsabay) para hindi ganoong kahirap.” (Paul Lee was checked so I had to contribute. Hopefully in the next game we both explode so that it won’t be too difficult.)

Will Chan, Lee, and the rest of the Elasto Painters get things done in Game 6 and move one win away from a historic comeback? Tune in on Wednesday, February 26 to find out. – Rappler.com