PBA GC QF: (3) Rain or Shine vs (6) Barako Bull

Belga ain't got no time for that
(Photo credit to Sports5.ph)

So much for the JC Intal two-week love-fest.

Since Intal, Dylan Ababou and later Joseph Yeo all took turns winning the PBA Governor's Cup Best Player of the Week award, Barako Bull Energy has stagnated somewhat losing most of their last games which cost them the twice to beat incentive. For some inexplicable reason, a team that looked like it had the league's best defense anchored by the most dominant presence in the PBA today (Liam McMorrow) complimented by young and hungry talent, basically fizzled out and lost sight of the big picture (making the Playoff; winning a title).

Yeo has slowed down. Intal has disappeared. Ababou is back to playing spot minutes.

Yep, same old Barako Bull.

Which doesn't bode well going up against a now in-tune Rain or Shine Elastopainters that has finally learned to play with a legitimate post-up threat in import Wendell McKines.

Facts:

Paul Lee is going to bully the kids (R.R. Garcia, Carlo Lastimosa). We'd throw in Chico Lanete, but the scrappy pint-sized veteran is going to scratch and claw at Lee before things are said and done. Chris Tiu is another savvy vet who can get his numbers quick, thanks to McKines' getting all the attention down low.

Liam McMorrow is Barako Bull's best shot at stealing a game, and possible winning this. If he can dominate inside, the 6"7 and below RoS frontline will be forced to keep an eye on him and help. Which means Yeo can slash all he wants. Intal can, uh, whatever. Garcia, Lastimosa, Ababou, those guys, they can all take turns shooting the ball in a simplified, inside-outside game that has already been tried and tested by the very best.

Dominant center + shooters= Playoffs/ Rings.

BUT

That can only happen IF the Barako Bull locals are ready to play. If they go into this series with the same approach that they've had the last two weeks... well... RoS is going to run a clinic on ball movement and balanced scoring.

Prediction: Rain or Shine