Painters out to keep unbeaten run intact against Powerade

Games today

Araneta Coliseum

5:15 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Petron

7:30 p.m.- Powerade vs. Rain or Shine

The rampaging Rain or Shine Elasto Painters target a fifth straight win to inch closer to clinching a semifinal berth as they clash with the Powerade Tigers tonight in the main game of the 37th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Painters are still perfect after four games, occupying the solo number one spot being the only unbeaten squad left in the 10-team field.

Rain or Shine’s last outing saw them escaping Barangay Ginebra where rookie Paul Lee hit a booming triple in the final two seconds that sealed the team’s close, 93-90 victory,

“We’re happy we’re winning games — the close ones we’re able to stay focused; we’re able to play through the pressure moments,” Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao told pba.ph. “It’s a good sign for the team. At the same time, it gives us a lot of confidence going to the last few games.”

Powerade will be a tough match-up for Rain or Shine as the Tigers have won their last two games since starting the tournament with back-to-back defeats.

“Rain or Shine is playing excellent basketball. Their import has been their source of energy. Our emphasis would be on how we could find a way to limit their output from their various attacks,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

Powerade has been rolling since acquiring Omar Sneed, whose mettle will be tested against Jamelle Cornley.

Meanwhile, in the first game, the Barako Bull Energy (1-2) parade returning import Leroy Hickerson when they tackle the defending champions Petron Blaze Boosters (3-1).

The explosive Hickerson played six games for the Air21 Express in the 2012 Fiesta Cup where he averaged 32.8 points, 14.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists.