Streaking Express look to avenge defeat to second-running Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Games today:
Mall of Asia Arena
4:15 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Air21
6:30 p.m.- San Mig Coffee vs. Barako Bull
Air21 dropped five of its first six games in the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup but turned things around with a string of victories that bolstered its playoff aspirations.
The Express look to sustain their impressive run against the formidable Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the first game of today’s Easter Sunday double-header t the Mall of Asia Arena.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Express opened the tournament with a 74-70 win over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. They sputtered after that rousing start and absorbed five straight defeats, including a sorry 97-99 loss to the Painters.
Article continues after this advertisementAir21 would bounce back strong, racking up four straight wins to claw back into contention.
The Express are in the company of four other teams for the fourth to eighth spot with Barangay Ginebra, Meralco, San Mig Coffee and Talk ‘N Text all sporting 5-5 (win-loss) records.
Aside from stretching their win streak, the Express also try to avenge their two-point loss to the Painters.
“We could have won that game,” said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren.
Rain or Shine sealed that close win when Mike Cortez inbounds pass to Michael Dunigan in the dying seconds went awry.
The Painters are also gunning for a crucial win that will allow them to tie the Alaska Aces at the top.
The Aces are at the number one spot with an 8-3 record while the Painters are at second place with a 7-3 record.
Rain or Shine has won two straight games after losing to an import-less Petron Blaze, 87-79 in an out-of-town game in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.
The Painters recovered from that loss with a a 103-93 win over Barako Bull then followed it up with a dominating 116-85 victory over the Texters.
That was Rain or Shine’s first win in seven games against Talk ’N Text—the team that swept them in the All-Filipino Cup Finals.
“Parang ibinuhos na lahat ng sama ng loob sa game na iyon, e,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao of their 31-point victory over the Texters.
