Riding on the crest of a stirring 65-62 come-from-behind win over the Jewels in Game 2 last Saturday, the Paint Masters are all fired-up to wrap up their best-of-5 title series and finally savor the sweet taste of victory again.
The Paint Masters, behind Paolo Orbeta, battled back from 16 points down early in the fourth quarter and turned back the Jewels behind a fiery 18-0 run to claim their second straight victory.
"We’ve been waiting for this kind of opportunity and hope this will be the right time to celebrate," said Welcoat coach Caloy Garcia who is out to win his first coaching title in three trips to the finals.
The Paint Masters built a dynasty in the late 90s, winning four titles under coach Junel Baculi. They won their last crown in 2002 with Romel Adducul at the helm.
They made it to the finals in the last three championships but failed in all, finishing second to the Jewels in the Open Championship last February.
But co-team owners Terry Que and Raymond Yu, the league chairman, are upbeat about their chances of winning the title this time.
"Matagal na kaming walang title, so I’m sure the hunger factor will work on our side," said Que. "I just hope the boys will double their effort para matapos na ang series."
Garcia admits that his boys are a little bit weary but he’s convinced they will give their all in this crucial game.
Certainly, the pressure will be on the Jewels since no team in recent years has managed to claw back from a 0-2 deficit and win the crown.
Montaña coach Robert Sison isn’t promising anything but he’s hopeful of the Jewels fightback.
"We’ll not give up the series without giving a fight. Despite our setback the last time, mataas pa rin ang morale ng mga bata. Yan ang kagandahan ng team namin," said Sison, who is hoping that veteran Alex Compton can play with the same flair and sharpness just like in their championship last time.
Slowed down by a sprain on his left knee, Compton was scoreless in 10 minutes of play. Despite that, he earned raves from Sison, who said: "I really don’t want him to play but he insisted."
Again, Fil-Am Anthony Washington holds the key to Welcoat’s success no matter what his critics will say. To prove his worth, Washington tallied 18 points and 16 boards in the leading the Paint Masters in the threshold of the Promised Land.
Of course, Washington still needs the support of local crew, among them Marvin Ortiguerra, Jojo Tangkay, Jay Coching, Eugene Tan, JR Reyes and Erwin Sta. Maria.
For the Jewels to extend the series, they have to step up big time to lessen the scoring burden of Compton.