E-Painters, Bolts expect semis thriller

MANILA, Philippines - Perennial title contender Rain or Shine chases a fifth final stint in nine conferences while Meralco tries to keep its Cinderella ride under coach Norman Black as they begin their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinal showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

With their experience and chemistry, the Elasto Painters are considered the favorites versus the Bolts in the Final Four that features titleholder Purefoods Star and old rival Talk n Text in the other race-to-three-games series.

The Hotshots and the Tropang Texters, the protagonists in the Commissioner’s Cup finals last year, open their series tomorrow, also at the Big Dome.

The Elasto Painters and the Bolts have little time to prepare for their semis playoff coming from their quarters showdowns with the Barangay Ginebra Kings and the NLEX Road Warriors, respectively.

Still, they’re expected to figure in a fierce battle in their 7 p.m. tussle.

“It will be an intense battle with ROS, and we have to recover very quickly from our overtime game with NLEX,” said Black, steering the Bolts to the semis only in his second conference with the team.

“Major concerns are getting back on defense and slowing down their fast break. Also we have to do a good job defending their three-point shots. On our part, we have to come out with loads of energy if we want to get Game One,” said Black.

The absence of the injury-hit Jared Dillinger is another concern for the Bolts who are looking to upset the E-Painters in pursuit of a first-ever finals appearance.

But Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao isn’t about to take Meralco for granted.

“Meralco earned its slot in the semis. We have to respect that,” said Guiao.

“At this stage any team can beat any other. Our only advantage is our experience in the playoffs. Nothing else. The way to beat Meralco is to out work them,” Guiao also said.

But the fiery ROS mentor loves their chance especially with all his players back in top shape.

“We are thankful because this is the first time in a long time where we are all healthy going to the semis,” Guiao said.

All ready for action are battled-tested players Paul Lee, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood, Raymond Almazan, Beau Belga, Ryan Arana, Chris Tiu, Jonathan Uyloan, TY Tang, Jervy Cruz and Jireh Ibanes.

An upside for the Bolts is the steady performances of Gary David, Mike Cortez, Cliff Hodge, Reynel Hugnatan, Sean Anthony and John Wilson as of late.

Figuring in a topnotch import matchup are Rain or Shine’s Wayne Chism and Meralco’s Josh Davis.

Going to the semis, Chism averages 29.8 points, 14.8 rebounds, 2.29 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 block while Davis norms 22.1 points, 17.38 rebounds, 2.08 assists, 2.31 steals and 1.23 blocks.

While still awaiting the arrival of Chism, the E-Painters dropped their elimination-round tussle versus the Bolts, 87-92.