ROS eyes 2-0 lead
Game Sunday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
6:30 p.m. – Magnolia vs Rain or Shine
(Rain or Shine leads series 1-0)
Rain or Shine shoots for a 2-0 lead against Magnolia as the physicality is expected to intensity in Game 2 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters go for another win in the 6:30 p.m. clash but coach Caloy Garcia sees a strong fightback from the Hotshots, who vowed to be more prepared than in the series opener held two nights earlier.
“We know that they gonna adjust,” Garcia said. “The way (Magnolia coach Chito Victolero) coaches, they gonna do good adjustments in the second game.”
Rookie forward Javee Mocon and sophomore guard Rey Nambatac sparked a third quarter comeback before veterans Beau Belga and Gabe Norwood knocked down key baskets to give Rain or Shine an 84-77 victory.
Surprise starter Kris Rosales also provided the intangibles on the defensive end that were also instrumental in the Elasto Painters’ victory.
Magnolia center Ian Sangalang admitted that they were surprised with the gambits Rain or Shine showed in Game 1 but was quick to promise to put up a much-better showing.
MANY LAPSES
“Marami lang kaming lapses na dapat ayusin so alam ko naman coming into Game 2 ready kaming lahat,” Sangalang said.
Sangalang also dealt with the rugged nature of the contest that saw him engage in a heated verbal exchange with Belga late in the contest. He and the Hotshots are bracing for more.
“We expect a very physical game against Rain or Shine, even more physical than we faced against Ginebra,” said Victolero, whose wards were coming off a three-game quarterfinal series win over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Pulse and defending champion San Miguel Beer began their own best-of-seven affair at presstime at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Game 2 of their series is slated Monday at the Big Dome.
