Close win over Converge prepared Painters for quarters clash

MANILA, Philippines — The cardiac win of Rain or Shine to wrap up the elimination round prepared the Elasto Painters for the quarterfinals, head coach Yeng Guiao said. 

Rain or Shine on Sunday ended their elimination round with a 112-111 win over the Converge FiberXers. 

Converge had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but they could not launch a shot as time expired. 

For Guiao, the close win gave them a playoff-esque atmosphere ahead of their clash against the San Miguel Beermen. 

"When you get to the playoffs, it will go down to one or two possessions. It is a good thing that our game today, we won by one point. So, this is like what we can experience in the playoffs. You need to learn how to win games in the end game," Guiao told reporters. 

"You need to learn how to close out games and you need to experience the pressure," he added. 

On Sunday's game, Guiao's whole team saw action, including James Yap who has played sparingly this season. 

Yap started the game and finished with nine points and two rebounds in 16 minutes.

"I used all the members of the team so they could all have a feel of what it is like playing in the quarterfinals. So, whoever I pick, they will be ready," Guiao said. 

"We have to be ready with a "magic bunot" here, and we want our game to be fast so we need a deep rotation," he added. 

The cardiac win also gave the team confidence for the playoffs. 

"The players are confident, they are used. Anytime, they know they could be entered. So, the chemistry is good," the coach reiterated. 

"[Our import, Demetrius Treadwell,] you cannot count on him to score 30 or 40. But, he is a different type of import. It is good because our locals have the responsibility [to chip in,] which is important when it comes to the playoffs." 

The Elasto Painters started the season with five straight losses. Subsequently, they won their next six as they barged into the quarterfinals. 

Rain or Shine and San Miguel will be battling at the Philsports Arena at 4 p.m. this Friday. 

The Beermen have a twice-to-beat advantage.