Coaches see physical finals series

MANILA—Coaches and players of defending champion Talk ‘N Text and challenger Rain or Shine are gearing up for a tougher physical battle in the best-of-seven Finals of the 38th PBA Philippine Cup starting on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 53-year-old Yeng Guiao admitted that it’s going to be physical when they clash against the Tropang Texters. Rain or Shine is searching for its second straight crown after winning the Governor’s Cup championship last August.

“I have the highest respect for Talk ‘N Text, the players, coaching staff, organization and management, but I’m going to set all those aside when we go into the finals. It’s going to be a battle, a war. I’m not going to be nice to everyone, but after that we will be back to normal. I think all these will be as physical as long as the referees allow it. Lahat naman ay namimisikal but it’s still the referees who will decide to put a limit on it,” said Guiao, owner four titles in the league.

Rain or Shine made it to the Finals following a 4-2 win over San Mig Coffee while Talk ‘N Text also crushed Alaska Aces, 4-2, in the other semifinal series.

This will not be the first time that both Guiao and the nine-time champion Norman Black will be meeting in the finals. They also clashed in the 1993 Governor’s Cup championship with San Miguel Beer beating Swift, 4-3.

“Rain or Shine offers a completely different package as far as competition is concerned. They play very physical inside in offense and defense,” said the 55-year-old Black, who won his first Grand slam with the Beermen in 1989.