Momentum well on Welcoat

A second straight win in the 4 p.m. match could set the stage for another sweep by the Paint Masters, but the Greasebusters are hoping to bounce back to level the series.

Likewise, LBC-Batangas is eyeing to capture third place against Blu All-Purpose at 1:30 p.m. following a 74-68 victory in Game One of their best-of-three showdown.

Welcoat coach Leo Austria picked Ronald Tubid and Jean Marc Pingris at a perfect time to spark the team in Game One.

They trailed by 18, 36-54, after three quarters but Tubid and Pingris, two Paint Masters with proven big hearts, fueled a 25-6 blast to get the team back on track, 61-60, with 2:52 left in the final quarter.

The Greasebusters reeled from Welcoat’s surge and lost heart and stamina in the extra period.

That big win in Game One boosted Welcoat’s bid for another sweep. Austria, who took over coach Junel Baculi’s chores, hopes he could continue the Paint Masters’ championship tradition.

"Malaki ang effect ng pagkapanalo namin sa Game One, and another win will set the stage for a possible sweep. Kung manalo kami ngayon, medyo made-demoralize ang kalaban kaya sa susunod na laban, ito-todo na namin. We will not let the chance for a sweep slip off our hands should we win Game Two," said Austria.

Although the Paint Masters leaned on their big heart in the game, Austria said they will have to work more on teamwork and consistency.

"Kung sabi nila, mas deeper ang bench ng kalaban, we proved with that win na yung bench namin ang mas malalim because we were able to sustain momentum until the extra period. We had lapses in Game One, our plays were not executed well during the first three quarters and that’s what we have to work on," replied Austria.

"Yes, adjustments will be the main theme of Game Two after testing each other in Game One. There will be counterplays at di pa rin mawawala ang mga surprise players."

"One thing we had to work on is our adjustments against coach Junel’s zone defense. Actually ready yung counterplay namin, hindi lang na-execute ng maayos because of the pressure nitong championship. Nahirapan kami lalo sa Game One nung pinatay nila yung wingman ko — si Ariel Capus."

"But for sure, maghuhulihan ng adjustments ngayon sa Game Two," Austria added.

Dazz simply lost initiative and control of the game as keyman John Ferriols fouled out with 4:41 remaining while Eugene Tan was ejected from the court for throwing a punching foul on Welcoat’s Jean Marc Pingris, with 3:55 left.

Tan was slapped with an automatic one-game suspension plus a fine of P2,000 for his infraction.

Joel Dualan followed after yielding his fifth foul on Tubid, with 1:31 left — leaving the Greasebusters with not enough firepower to pull through in the extra period.

"I don’t blame the guys because they still have to get that feel of a championship series. We committed a lot of lapses as to the execution of our gameplan because of championship jitters," explained Baculi.

"But we will be there fighting in Game Two. The pain of losing gave the boys the initial feel of the championship at natauhan na sila that they’re actually here in the best-of-five series. Sabi nga, habang nasusugatan, lalong tumatapang. That’s how Dazz will be in Game Two," he added.

Baculi knows Welcoat played very cautious against them during the first two quarters where they were able to contain their big men Romel Adducul and Eddie Laure.

"We were able to neutralize their big men, plus Ariel Capus. This time, we will also focus on stopping Ronald Tubid and stop their ‘aces’ from pulling off surprises," said Baculi.

"I also told them na we should stick with our gameplans at hindi puwede yung mag-deviate dahil magugulo ang sistema. We also have to adjust o the referees’ calls. Medyo soft yung mga tawag nila unlike the previous championships that’s why we got into early foul situation."

"Babawi kami. We’ll try to stop them from a possible sweep," he added.