Guiao aware of danger in clash with out-of-running Terrafirma

Games on Friday
(PhilSports Arena)
5 p.m. – Terrafirma vs Rain or Shine
7:30 p.m. – Phoenix vs NorthPort

RAIN OR SHINE (ROS) coach Yeng Guiao is fully aware of the danger an opponent like Terrafirma can pose.

The Dyip, at 1-8, are out of the running for the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals with still two games to spare, unlike his Elasto Painters (5-3) charges, who are safe in the “Magic 8” no matter what.

But just as ROS is determined to grab the victory in the 5 p.m. match to fan its bid for the advantageous Top 4 spots, Terrafirma is even more resolved.

After all, the Dyip are on the homestretch of their PBA stint with the looming sale of the franchise to the Zamboanga Valientes and would love a leave on a positive note.

“It’s always dangerous playing a team without pressure,” Mr. Guiao said ahead of Friday’s duel with Terrafirma at the PhilSports Arena. “They might be trying to have a good account of themselves before they bow out so it’s always dangerous.”

And judging by the Dyip’s gritty showing versus Converge last time, Mr. Guiao has reasons to be wary. The Dyip stormed to an 18-point early before the FiberXers went on a fourth-quarter barrage to escape the blushes, 117-103.

“Any time you step on a basketball court with another team you always have a chance of losing. We have to be careful of that,” said Mr. Guiao.

Going out swinging is also foremost on the minds of Phoenix (2-7) and NorthPort (1-7), the protagonists in the 7:30 p.m. second match.

With the playoffs out of reach, it’s all about fighting for the most decent placing on the season-ending conference now for ninth-running Fuel Masters, No. 10 Blackwater (1-7), the No. 11 Batang Pier and the No. 12 Dyip. — Olmin Leyba