The Blackwater Elite is scheduled for a head-to-head quarterfinals round game against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 7:00 P.M. on July 25, 2019 live from the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Both squads are now back in square one after they tied their best-of-three series to one apiece. The winner of tonight’s game will be the opponent of the San Miguel Beermen in the Final Four.
For some, having an experience playing in the playoffs will play a major role in determining the winner of the “do-or-die” battle between ROS and Blackwater.
Yet, for Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia, he thinks that the ball-club which is more hungry to win will take the victory.
“Mga bata rin naman ang naglalaro sa amin. Probably si Beau and Gabe are the only ones who are really here (playoffs),” said Garcia.
“On the other side, andyan naman sila (Mac) Belo, and they also have experience on their side,” added the Rain or Shine chief bench tactician. “Coming to Thursday, hindi ako naniniwala doon sa whoever has experience. I think whoever wants it more is gonna count.”
Blackwater’s coach Aris Dimaunahan, on the other hand, appreciates the performance of his troops during Game 2.
That time around, his players refused to lose and don’t want another early vacation.
“They refused to lose. Ayaw pa naming mag-bakasyon and that’s the commitment that we all have, that we want to make it to the next phase,” said caoch Dimaunahan after their Game 1 victory.
“But again it’s not going to be easy especially playing against a veteran, smart, and tough Rain or Shine team,” he added. “I’m just glad we finally got a playoff win.”