The Elasto Paints, actually, managed to limit the gunner to only 14 points on a three-of-21 shooting when they met in the eliminations, which they won, 96-93. But if not for Jeff Chan foiling a potential three from David, the ace Tiger could have turned into a hero for Powerade in that match.
But David, who has been playing a Goliath of a role for the Tigers, is ready for anything, stressing they are a different team now, what with their shocker over top-seed B-Meg.
And that loss to Rain or Shine just could not pass as a preview of what their semifinals duel would turn out to.
“Hindi pa kami kumpleto noon,” said David. “Wala pa si Jayvee [Casio] at galing din sa injury si Marcio [Lassiter] kaya hindi pa talaga puwedeng gawing basehan ang larong iyon.”
That loss was Powerad’s only second game in the All-filipino tournament. Casio sat it out because of a bad knee while Lassiter played with his back still aching from his stint with Smart Gilas.
With both teams well rested going to Game One of the best-of-seven semifinal duel on January 4, David said the series will boil down to preparation and conditioning—mentally and physically.
“Sa isang series, lalo na kung best-of-seven, puro adjustments na lang ang gagawin mo. Doon magkakatalo pati na sa kondisyon,” said David, who averaged 34.5 points in two games against the Llamados.
“Kaya dapat tip-top shape kaming lahat. And I’m sure may mga adjustments na silang ginawa [Rain or Shine] at kami mayroon nang hinanda sina coach Bo (Perasol) kaya tingnan natin,” he said.
The winner in the Powerade-Rain or Shine duel will face the victor between Talk ‘N Text and Petron Blaze in the other semifinals matchup.
The Tigers are facing a Rain or Shine crew that, since joining the league in 2006, has reached the semifinals twice, but didn’t go any further.
For the Tigers, they figured in the 2003 Reinforced Conference finals where they took a 2-0 lead only to be swept in the next four by Talk ‘N Text.
(Joel Orellana)
