Elasto Painters offer match to late mentor

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine could be tough to handle even more tonight as the Elasto Painters honor their departed coach when they play the Air21 Express at the resumption of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Mourning the passing of assistant mentor Roehl Nadurata, the Elasto Painters are expected to go all-out and offer the game to him, making them a tough assignment for the Express in the 7:30 p.m. encounter.

“We have to go out and give our best. That’s the best way we can do to give our respect to coach Roehl, and recognize his contributions to the team,” said ROS head coach Yeng Guiao.

Another big motivation for the E-Painters is their desire to spring back from a close game they lost on a bum call by a referee.

The E-Painters scored a 102-86 win over the Petron Blaze Boosters in an impressive season debut before being tripped by the Kings, 94-98, Sunday.

Even before the season started, Guiao declared they’re dedicating their games to Nadurata who fell ill a few days after their Governors Cup title run.

The Express, however, are themselves motivated, riding the crest of their inspiring 88-81 victory over the Globalport Batang Pier also last Sunday.

Guiao is not taking Air21 lightly, saying the team has done a good job strengthening its lineup with key acquisitions.

“If you lose your focus, and take them for granted, Air21 can hurt you. They can beat any team on a good night,” said Guiao. “You’re not supposed to give them a good night.”

Guiao is especially impressed with the Express’ frontline.

“What’s crucial for Air21 is their bigs. Guys like Noy Baclao, Mark Isip and even James Sena, they have the confidence to shoot and score. Our own bigs have their jobs cut out for them,” said Guiao.

Meanwhile, back-to-back defending champion Talk n Text seeks a follow-up to its triumphant debut as it takes on Globalport at 5:15 p.m.

The Tropang Texters got off to a winning start with a 112-110 overtime win over the Meralco Bolts last Friday.

Globalport has lost its first two games, including the last against Air21 where coach Glenn Capacio benched big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini throughout the game.

Minus Al-Hussaini, the Batang Pier were clobbered by the Express, 37-52, in rebounding.