Finals Rematch, Finals Preview

Amoy rematch.
(Photo courtesy of PBA InterAKTV)

In a rematch of last PBA Governor's Cup Finals, the defending champions Rain or Shine Elastopainters hacked out a gritty 79-75 win over now "rivals" San Mig Coffee Mixers.

It got testy, chippy, physical and had that feel of a PBA Finals. Beau Belga, recently cheered by thousands- millions of Filipinos, was welcomed back to the loving arms of PBA fans with a resounding chorus of boos after a series of, well, classic Belga defensive plays. James Yap had fans screaming, but Chris Tiu had his supporters at the SM Mall of Asia Arena just the same.

What we loved about last night's game?

The imports are straight out beasts.

The Mixers' Marqus Blakely finished with 26 points, 20 rebounds and 2 assists (with 6 turnovers) while unleashing some new tricks in the low post. The Elastopainters' Arizona Reid finished with 28 points, 20 rebounds and 5 assists (with 10 turnovers; completing an ugly triple double LOL).

Also, Mixers' head coach Tim Cone pulled a Yeng Guiao of his own, working Val Acuna (which they drafted before only to send the former UE Warrior to the ASEAN Basketball League) into the offense and giving him a lot of freedom with the basketball. Unfortunately, Acuna showed up as did star guard PJ Simon, but 2x PBA MVP James Yap had another one of his now usual sub-par games (9 points).

To make matters worse, we just cannot remember the last time Yap had an explosive or dominant performance against the Elastopainters. Not with Jireh Ybanes, Ryan Arana, Ronnie Matias and even Chris Tiu all getting under his skin (he elbowed Tiu right-smack on the chin on one play).

For the Elastopainters, they're starting to look more and more like the thugged-out version of Talk 'n' Text. The rotation, the guys willing to do whatever and the resident stars like Paul Lee delivering when needed.

Did the Mixers miss Marc Pingris? Yes, he could've helped take on Reid and keep the dreadlock-sporting import off the boards.

But don't forget that the Elastopainters' were missing stopper and big point-forward Gabe Norwood and shooter Jeffrei Chan. Do the math.

On a side note, Chris Tiu is starting to look like the most efficient basketball player this side of Larry Fonacier. 4/6 shooting, 2/2 from the arc.

Buti na lang sumanib na kami si Iglesia ni Chris Tiu simula pa lang ng taon.