By REYNALD MAGALLON
Unpredictable and competitive games are good for the league.
And that’s exactly why Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao was extra happy, seeing a half-full Ninoy Aquino Stadium burst into excitement during the thrilling Game 3 showdown between the Elasto Painters and the TNT Tropang Giga.
The number might be far from the usual seen during big games at the Araneta Coliseum or MOA Arena but the fans were just as loud during the thrilling contest that saw ROS erect a lead by as many as 20 points only to escape by a hairline, 110-109 at the end of the final buzzer.
“I’m really happy we gave the fans a really nice game to watch. Gusto natin ‘yun sa PBA. Gusto natin matuwa ‘yung fans. Kahit na kabadong kabado na ako, sabi ko, ‘Natutuwa ‘yung mga fans, magandang laro ito,” said Guiao after Rain or Shine booked a spot to the semifinals against defending champion San Miguel.
Such kind of games, a back-and-forth affair with teams trading blows and runs, should add to the fans’ interest and vigor towards the PBA which is being criticized for the obvious dwindling numbers of live audience.
“I think we should give them more of those na hindi alam kung sino mananalo, laban lang ng laban, bakbakan ‘yung laban, ratratan ng ratratan. Those are the games that are enjoyable to watch,” pointed out Guiao.
To be fair, the Philippine Cup has been competitive ever since the eliminations evident to the tight race towards the playoffs with multiple teams locked on a logjam at similar 6-5 records in the middle of the standings.
The playoffs also didn’t disappoint with Terrafirma’s shocking win over top seed San Miguel in their first game adds more fuel to the competition and drama which the league can ride on to attract more live audiences.
For Guiao, the semis pairing between SMB and ROS, and Ginebra and Meralco should continue to live up to the competitive games the league needs.
And for that, the fiery mentor, vows his team would up a fight even up against a powerhouse team like SMB.
“We’re playing as underdogs, we know that. San Miguel pa, the best team in the conference ang kalaban mo. I don’t think there’s any pressure on us. We will just play as hard as we can,” said Guiao.
“Lalaban lang, tignan lang hanggang saan makarating. Baka maka-tsamba pa rin. Kung 5% lang yung tsansa namin manalo, baka matapat sa 5%.”
