Height, heft versus speed, quickness

MANILA, Philippines — Converge carries an added motivation as it faces Rain or Shine in an explosive clash pitting two hot teams in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The FiberXers (3-2) feel the need to get back at the Elasto Painters (2-1), the ones who sent them packing in the previous Commissioner’s Cup best-of-three quarterfinals, in today’s encounter at the PhilSports Arena.

Winner of the 5 p.m. duel gets to extend its win streak to a third match.

“Masakit sa amin ‘yun nung na-knock out nila kami sa quarterfinals so kailangan namin silang bawian,” Converge big man Justin Baltazar said.

Baltazar has formed a potent twin tower combo with Justin Arana – something the FiberXers can take advantage of with the ROS frontline hit by injuries to Beau Belga (vertigo), Keith Datu (calf) and Caelan Tiongson (back spasm).

The E-Painters hope one or two of them will be back in harness soon, preferably against the two “Justins.”

“Mahirap talunin ang Converge kung wala kang big man. Alam natin ang threat nila talaga is ‘yung dalawang towers. So if you do not have any matchup for that, they’ll just keep punishing you close to the basket or at the low post,” said ROS mentor Yeng Guiao.

With a big donut hole in the middle, ROS is relying primarily on the speed of its backcourt and the heads-up play of wingers playing as “converted” big men. Guiao’s troops have proven themselves up to the task so far, winning their last two games, including a 128-116 upset of defending champion Meralco last Sunday.

“Kahit wala silang bigs, grabe 128 ang ini-score nila (against Meralco). So parang hindi rin naramdaman. Magaling ‘yung staff noon (ROS), especially coach Yeng,” said Converge coach Franco Atienza.

Notes: Barangay Ginebra relegated veteran guard LA Tenorio to the unrestricted free agent list with right to salary yesterday while activating Jason David. The move is intended to allow Tenorio, 40, to focus on his chores as coach of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth vying in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers on May 24 to 30 in Batangas.