THE San Miguel Beermen and Rain or Shine Elastopainters are in for a tough duel Sunday, September 12, 2021, as both squads look for wins that will take them to the next round of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Beermen will take to the floor for a third straight win that would push them through to the quarterfinals alongside early qualifier TNT Tropang Giga, while the Elasto Painters are eyeing to conquer the hoop for a second straight win that would give them a ticket to be among the eight teams advancing to the next round.
In a post on the PBA website, Beermen Coach Leo Austria said it will be a tough challenge to take on the highly defensive E-Painters.
"We all know Rain or Shine is a very good defensive team and it is up to us to follow the gameplan and execute on both ends of the court para mas gumanda ang chances namin," added Austria.
"Siguradong pahirapan ito," he added.
On the other side of the court, Rain or Shine coach Chris Gavina labels the match as another test of his team's character and resiliency.
"With the way the San Miguel Beermen have played their last two games, our margin for error is very minimal," said Gavina.
Gavina added it is all about how his E-Painters approach would be not only in the SMB match but the rest of their elimination round games.
"For us and our culture, adversity is a gift we look in the face and in this case the challenge is taking on a formidable SMB team and having the attitude and mindset that this is a challenge that can buy us a ticket to a trip headed towards greatness," he said. (JTD)