FiberXers try to keep perfect slate, E-Painters seek to check slump

IT'S about sustaining a good run for one side and breaking the ice for the other as Converge and Rain or Shine face off Thursday in the PBA Governors Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasi g.

The FiberXers look to preserve their clean slate and keep pole position while the Elasto Painters try to finally break into the win-column after three games as the two teams slug it out at 6:45 p.m.

Coach Aldin Ayo and his troops made it three in a row the last time out with a 111-109 escape win over the Magnolia Hotshots.

Earlier, the FiberXers routed the NorthPort Batang Pier and the Terrafirma Dyip by a whopping average margin of 22.5 points in a run reminiscent of Converge's swashbuckling showing in the early stage of the elims* of the recent Commissioner's Cup.

Ayo said partly it's the result of the team's early preparation even as they had to change an import quickly, tapping in Jamaal Franklin for Ethan Rusbatch.

The Elasto Painters, meanwhile, are off to a scrambling start with back-to-back losses to the Meralco Bolts (10587) and the TNT Tropang Giga (105100), but coach Yeng Guiao is hopeful they can get over the hump.

Guiao sees a lot of positive things in their last outing.

"We played a lot better than our first game, and it's a sign of improvement. Siguro pag na-break ang ice, aayos din ang takbo ng team," said Guiao.

One particular thing Guiao thinks they need to develop is closing out a close game. He felt that played a part in losing a tight contest against the more experienced TNT player s.

Still, Guiao insists he sees good side in that defeat.

"Having been able to put them in a precarious situation and giving ourselves a chance to win, I think it's still an improvement from our Meralco game where we were not able to compete in the end game, in the fourth quarter. Ito naka-compete kami hanggang huli," said Guiao.

The E-Painters hope to build on it going to their battle with the Fi b er Xer s.

And Rain or Shine may also draw boost on the expected return of Gian Mamuyac and Santi Santillan from injuries.