E-Painters, Tropa seek 2-0 upperhand

MANILA, Philippines —  Taking Game 1 doesn’t guarantee anything. But it could well serve as a momentum-builder and good foundation for success in a tightly fought series that could go the full route.

“Syempre, it’s really encouraging to win Game 1 against a tough team like Ginebra. Nakaka-boost ng morale ‘yun,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “Pero ang haba ng series eh, it’s a seven-game series. They’re very talented and very experienced in a situation like this.”

The Elasto Painters look to draw momentum from their 115-111 opening W as they seek to double their lead in the race-to-four Final Four series in today’s Game 2 at the SM MOA Arena.

Like ROS, defending champion TNT is out to make it 2-0 versus Meralco following Wednesday’s 94-89 win.

The Tropang 5G have been showing their championship caliber in the playoffs, with local aces Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Jayson Castro and Jordan Heading connecting stronger with Bol Bol and giving their fancied import a big helping hand.

TNT mentor Chot Reyes said having a full, healthy complement has been key.

“We were struggling the whole conference trying to find that combination and that balance (between Bol and the locals) but remember, we were never fully healthy in the eliminations,” he said.

“Fortunately, as the eliminations wound down, we got Roger (Pogoy) back to 100% healthy and I think what you’re seeing now is being able to finally put the combinations that we want together.”