(CNN Philippines) — Zero wins, two losses.
The Elasto Painters are off to a bad start in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup, looking nothing like the team that played Talk ‘N Text in the grueling seven-game finals series last conference.
But with back-to-back games coming up, Rain or Shine hopes to break into the win column fast.
“The two games here in Dubai will determine if we can still contend this conference,” head coach Yeng Guiao told CNN Philippines. “A loss will relegate us to mere survival mode for the rest of the season.”
Read: Beermen break into win column with defeat of Rain or Shine
But what could be the reason for their lackluster play?
“Fatigue is not a factor, but we would have preferred to have longer rest,” added Guiao. “We need these two games to get back our confidence.”
However Rain or Shine gunner Jeff Chan, who is still nursing a foot injury, feels the team isn’t motivated enough — which have led to problems on the offensive end.
“I think nawala yung gigil and fun sa games namin. We are not having fun maybe because of the (loss in the) finals last conference,” said Chan.
“The flow of our offense nawawala din. Free throws and turnovers ang pumapatay sa amin ngayon.”
Read: Alaska ekes past Rain or Shine to climb to 3-0
In Dubai, the Elasto Painters will face GlobalPort (3-1) and Barangay Ginebra (1-3) — two teams which are coming off losses.
But Chan says both games are must-wins for Rain or Shine if they have any hope of making the playoffs this conference.
“(The next two) are very important… or else we will be 0-4 and candidates for early vacation.”
