RoS Painters in 2 must-win games for a shot at Finals appearance

For more FTW videos, visit GMANews.TV FTW Rain or Shine seeks the first of its two must-win games Wednesday for a shot at a first ever Finals appearance in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The Elasto Painters (6-5) meet the Alaska Aces (7-5) at the Araneta Coliseum looking for a victory that would move them closer to a best-of-seven showdown with early Governors Cup finalist and Grandslam-seeking Talk `N Text. A loss in the 7:45 p.m. encounter however, means kissing goodbye their championship bid. “We’ve never been this close to playing in the Finals before," admitted Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao. “It’s a rare opportunity and we plan to take full advantage of it. We are confident that if we work hard enough, things will fall into place for us." After the Aces, the Elasto Painters will next take on the Barangay Ginebra Kings (7-5) on Friday to round up their semifinal campaign. But like Rain or Shine, both Alaska and Ginebra also remain in the running for the second Finals berth, although both don’t have any control about their respective fates. “As I have maintained, we’re just trying to control what we can control and that is putting our best foot forward against Rain or Shine. Just win the game and see where the cards fall," said Alaska coach Tim Cone. In case the Aces win, they will still have to keep their fingers crossed that Ginebra and Petron (6-5) would no longer win for them to advance. Petron is also keeping its hopes alive of returning to the championship round as it did during the Philippine Cup when the team still carried the banner of San Miguel Beer. The Boosters are also aiming to win their final two matches, but are keeping their fingers crossed that Rain or Shine losses its last two outings. In the event such scenario takes place, a three-way tie for second place ensues among Petron, Ginebra and Alaska. But owing to a best quotient, the Boosters go to the Finals outright. As things stand now, Rain or Shine is in the best position to clinch the last berth in the championship round. It holds a 2-1 slate in the semis, its lone loss coming in a gripping 99-98 setback against B-Meg in a game that led to the one-game suspension of coach Yeng Guiao and a P30,000 fine. But its two victories were impressive enough. The Elasto Painters routed the Tropang Texters, 96-81, and whipped the Boosters, 106-82. - OMG, GMA News