Yeng Guiao admits conscious effort to avoid technical fouls as Chot Reyes gets suspended

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Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine stay alive in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals as the Elasto Painters take advantage of TNT coach Chot Reyes' absence due to a suspension

MANILA, Philippines – Known for his volatile persona, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao admitted he is trying to keep his cool to avoid the fate suffered by his TNT counterpart Chot Reyes.

Reyes missed Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals on Friday, July 4, after getting suspended for picking up his fifth technical foul of the conference.

His absence proved crucial as the Tropang 5G failed to close out the Elasto Painters, who stayed alive in the best-of-seven series with a commanding 113-97 victory.

“Parang gusto akong i-dislodge doon sa title ko, inunahan pa ako ni coach Chot eh. Pero malapit lapit na rin ako eh,” said Guiao in jest.

(It looks like coach Chot wants to dislodge me from my title. He beat me to it. But I’m close to getting suspended as well.)

Guiao currently has three technical fouls in the tournament.

All of those came in the semifinals, with Guiao picking up two technicals in Game 1 that led to his ejection and another in Game 3 for profane language directed at TNT forward Glenn Khobuntin.

“Umiiwas ako, pero tignan natin, sana makaiwas naman ako,” said Guiao with a wide grin.

(I’m avoiding it, but we’ll see. I hope I can avoid it.)

Having Guiao around is pivotal for Rain or Shine as the Elasto Painters seek to get past the Tropang 5G after losing to the same team in the semifinals of the first two conferences this season.

TNT went on to win the title in both occasions, putting itself in prime position to capture a rare Grand Slam — a feat achieved by just four teams in PBA history.

“I think we’re hungrier than they are. Alam natin naghahabol sila ng Grand Slam. Pero nakadalawang championship na sila eh, baka pagod na rin sila, baka nagsawa na sila. Kami naman. Tignan natin,” said Guiao.

(I think we’re hungrier than they are. We know that they’re chasing a Grand Slam. But they’ve already won two championships, maybe they’re already tired, maybe they’re already fed up. Maybe it is our time. We’ll see.)

Game 6 is set on Sunday, July 6, at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com