Without star, Painters fight for life

By WAYLON GALVEZ

Fil-American Gabe Norwood will watch from the sidelines when Rain or Shine tries to stay alive against defending champion Sta. Lucia Realty in the resumption of their quarterfinal series in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Astrodome in Pasay City today.

The celebrated 6-5 rookie was slapped with a one-game suspension and a P20,000 fine for throwing the ball at Gilbert Omolon last Wednesday a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2.

His absence will hurt the Elasto Painters’ bid to forge a knockout match against the Realtors who used their experience and aggressive defense to score a one-sided 101-84 victory in Game 1.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra also tries to keep its hopes alive against sister team San Miguel Beer in the other match.

Jayjay Helterbrand missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer, allowing the Beermen to escape with a 78-77 decision.

Rain or Shine, formerly Welcoat, has emerged as the tournament’s surprise package  thanks to a young and athletic crew led by Norwood and Solomon Mercado, another Fil-Am rookie.

Playing for the first time in the playoffs, the Elasto Painters, however, fumbled against the veteran Realtors with Norwood typifying their struggle.

Before he was banished with 5:55 left in the third quarter, Norwood made only nine points on 3-of-9 shooting.

"I think medyo nabigla kami sa physicality ng game," Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia said. "It’s just like we just have to toughen up. The major adjustment for us is to get other players involve and contribute."

"We’ll find ways to make up for Gabe’s absence. We’re still all positive that we can come out and get the win," Garcia added.

Should the Painters survive, however, they will play Game 3 without Mercado who drew a deferred one-game suspension.

Mercado was punished for his role in the ball-throwing incident wherein he was caught pushing Joseph Yeo and the referee.

Despite the ease with which the Realtors disposed of the Painters last Wednesday, SLR coach Boyet Fernandez said he expects a better and more determined Rain or Shine in Game 2.

"This is not over. Even though we beat them by 17 points, we know how dangerous they are. Maski na wala si Norwood. Wala din naman si Marlou sa amin, so parang halos patas lang ang laban," Fernandez said.

Fernandez was referring to 6-9 center Marlou Aquino who was also banned for one game for an F2 he committed against JR Reyes in the second quarter.

Kelly Williams, last year’s Most Valuable Player, is expected to rebound from a forgettable four-point performance in Game 1.

Ginebra, a dangerous team with its back against the wall, takes the floor confident of stopping San Miguel.

Without star, Painters fight for life

Without star, Painters fight for life

Without star, Painters fight for life :: Comments