Gin Kings, Painters hope to get momentum in carry-over semis round

The semifinals of the PBA Governors Cup officially starts on Friday, but for Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine the six-team round begins Wednesday when they clash in the final day of the eliminations at the Araneta Coliseum. "This is practically the semis," said Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao of his team's 7:45 p.m. encounter with the Gin Kings. The semis of the season-ending conference follows a carry-over format with the six teams playing a single-elimination round, with the top two teams facing off in the best-of-seven title series. The carry-over format are enough motivation for the Kings and Painters of ending their preliminary round campaign on a winning note. "We need to win this game," said Ginebra mentor Jong Uichico. "It's a carry-over semis and a victory will give us momentum." Both the Gin Kings and Elasto Painters hold similar 4-3 records for a share of fourth to fifth places. The two squads also found themselves on the same boat after losing their last games respectively, against Alaska. Rain or Shine suffered an 88-83 setback against the Aces last week, while the Kings dropped an 83-79 decision Saturday despite parading new import in Donald Sloan. Sloan, who replaced the injured Curtis Stinson, finished with 21 points and seven rebounds in his debut game opposite Alaska. And Sloan's arrival is Guiao's main concern. "Ginebra is a guard-heavy team with a lot of scoring options. Their new import makes them even quicker and more dangerous. If we can keep their guards from breaking us down off the dribble, we have a chance against them," said the Rain or Shine coach. The main game of Wednesday's doubleheader also serves as the first outing of big man Nino Canaleta for the league's crowd darlings. The forward out of University of the East was acquired by the Kings from Air21 last Monday in exchange for two-time league Most Valuable Player (MVP) Willie Miller. Uichico admitted the late-season trade would benefit both players and the two teams involved. "We feel that it would be best for Willie," said Uichico. "He doesn't have the playing time in our team and I think he will have that once he plays for Air21. As for Canaleta, I think he will be of big help to us." The 5:30 p.m. curtain raiser will have ousted squads Meralco and Powerade colliding in their final game of the season. The Bolts and Tigers both hold a 3-4 card to occupy eighth to ninth spots ahead of winless Air21 (0-8). "There is nothing to be ashamed of," said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio. "We fought until the end and we gave it our best shot." Said Powerade counterpart Bo Perasol: "We have mixed feelings about this game. "We are disappointed because we don't have any chance at making the semis even if we win." - JVP, GMA News