Guiao sees championship quality in Converge ahead of quarterfinals
Rain or Shine’s next opponents enter the best-of-five series on a five-game winning streak.
Yeng Guiao rated Converge’s roster as capable of challenging for a championship after his Rain or Shine side defeated the Phoenix Fuel Masters 133-103 to secure a best-of-five quarterfinal meeting with the FiberXers.
The Elasto Painters coach said Converge offered a balanced combination of shooting, size and pace. He believed experience and team cohesion had been their remaining shortcomings, but said recent performances suggested they were overcoming those issues.
The FiberXers have won five straight games heading into the quarterfinals. Guiao said they had become more accustomed to playing in the PBA and were now a tougher proposition because of their improved understanding and experience.
For Rain or Shine, the Phoenix game was also an opportunity to establish playoff habits. Guiao said he had asked his players to bring a playoff mentality and level of effort to the contest, using it as physical and mental preparation. Entering the next round with a victory was another aim.
The clubs previously met at the quarterfinal stage of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, where Rain or Shine recovered from a 0-1 deficit in a best-of-three series. Their next series opens at 5:15 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
