A TEAM that's on the rise aims to use a side that's on a very prolonged skid as another stepping stone when Rain or Shine clashes with Columbian Dyip Friday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Elasto Painters are gunning for a third straight win that would put them in a tie for eighth-running spot, a goal that seemed improbable after they started the tourney at 0-4.
More wins in their last five games, starting Friday, and the Asian Coatings franchise would gain inclusion among the top eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals.
Practically all signs point to Rain or Shine hitting its immediate target.
Columbian has lost all its first nine games, stretching its winless streak in the season-ending conference to 23.
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On the surface, the Dyip are seemingly just going through the motions and, although they still have another game left against Blackwater next Saturday, can't wait for their season to be over.
Garcia won't be so easily distracted by such notions.
"Columbian remains dangerous," said Garcia moments after his team won over NorthPort 120-98 last Wednesday.
"Their record does not reflect the improvement they have had in their last few games. There's no room for complacency on our part."
Garcia's comments are mainly based on Columbian's game against Alaska earlier Wednesday, when the Dyip managed to whittle a 20-point deficit and come within seven in the dying minutes.
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Although Aces coach Alex Compton said the result, a far cry from the rout most expected, was due to his players not playing the way they should, Garcia said some credit must also go to the Dyip.
"They have this defensive energy that, if you're not careful, would cause you trouble," noted Garcia.
"And they also have a dynamic backcourt, not to mention their import," added Garcia, referring to Jerramy King, Rashawn McCarthy and Akeem Wright.
Garcia could might as well have been talking about his own team.
Chris Tiu, Gabe Norwood and Maverick Ahanmisi have been superb of late and Terrence Watson has been that vital defensive cog inside the team sorely needed, more so now that Raymond Almazan has gone AWOL.
Watson averaged 5.5 blocks in the wins over Barangay Ginebra and NorthPort and now leads the league with 3.8 swats per game to go with his other norms of 19.25 points and 12.5 rebounds.
Equally vital is how the rest of the E-Painters, led by the likes of James Yap and Beau Belga, again step up. (NC)
