GOVERNORS' CUP FINALISTS CLASH IN GRUDGE MATCH

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Published on October 23, 2012

Rain or Shine and San Mig Coffee, the title protagonists in the last Governors Cup, aren’t looking
behind but up ahead as they face off in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
Wednesday.
 
Both don’t delve in the past as they would rather concentrate building for the future.
 
The Elasto Painters and the Mixers are in almost equal footing in the current tourney as they mix it
up at 7:30 p.m. at the Big Dome. Rain or Shine is at 3-1 while San Mig Coffee is right behind at
2-1.
 
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao considers the game a part of a crucial stretch that could define
their conference.
 
“I really feel this is a crucial stretch – three tough games in eight games. If we do well, ito
ang magbibigay sa amin ng magandang momentum,” Guiao pointed out.
 
The Elasto Painters have got past the Globalport Batang Pier last Saturday. After the Alaska Aces,
the E-Painters will be up next against the Talk n Text Tropang Texters Saturday.
 
For San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone, the main thing is to get through the early season proper with
their health woes.
 
“The key for us is to just keep battling and weather the storm,” said Cone.
 
While still awaiting the return of JC Intal, the Mixers lost another key player to health problem in
Marc Pingris.
 
The energetic 6-foot-4 forward was in civvies as the Mixers bowed to the Tropang Texters, 74-85,
Saturday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
 
“Rain or Shine is always a difficult team to play when you’re trying to bounce back from a tough
loss, but that is the challenge in front of us,” said Cone.
 
Cone is hopeful, however, his troops can rise up to the test. “We have enough left in our lineup
to still be successful,” he said.
 
The two teams figured in a fierce seven-game showdown for the 2002 Governors Cup crown. The Elasto
Painters emerged triumphant in the gripping battle to clinch a first ever championship in franchise
history.
 
With their success, Guiao opted not to tinker with his champion roster during the off-season, just
getting Chris Tiu to take over from Ronjay Buenafe.
 
San Mig Coffee not just changed its banner but effected some buildup by tabbing Wesley Gonzales,
Chris Pacana, Aldrech Ramos and Jewel Ponferada (SB)

Source: http://www.pba.ph/news/entry/1863