SLR tests defensive mettle vs Rain or Shine's explosive import

MANILA, Philippines - Will Sta. Lucia’s noted defense be good enough to finally stop Rain or Shine's Jai Lewis from his winning rampage in the Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup? Coach Boyet Fernandez could only hope so. “It’s going to be a test of character and with Lewis the kind of player that Rain or Shine has, it’s going to be interesting," said Fernandez. “Again, our team defense will still be our main weapon, and one of our main concerns is how to stop their running game." The Realtors and Elasto Painters clash in the first game of an interesting doubleheader at the Astrodome on Friday that also features the Philippine Cup Finals rematch between Alaska and Talk `N Text. The Elasto Painters (5-1) are on a roll of late, thanks to the arrival of the burly Lewis, who is so far unbeaten in all four games he played for the team. The 290-pound banger with a sweet touch from the perimeter was a spectacular sight just the other night, scoring 40 points – 30 in the second half -- and grabbing 23 rebounds to power Rain or Shine to a gripping 114-108 win over national team coach Yeng Guiao and his Burger King squad. “He was in control," said RoS mentor Caloy Garcia after the tense contest. The Realtors are a notch behind the Elasto Painters in the 10-team standings with a 4-2 (win-loss) slate. Meanwhile, Talk `N Text (2-3) tries to bounce back from an embarrassing 135-133 loss to Barako Bull in game that saw the team bungled a huge 24-point lead in the final nine minutes. “No comment. That’s how upset I am," said coach Chot Reyes of Talk ‘N Text when he was asked to impart his thoughts on how they could get back on the winning track. A day after the defeat, Reyes and the Tropang Texters held practice twice. Whether that could help a lot against the Aces remains to be seen. Alaska is also a ball club trying to recover its winning ways. The Ace only have two wins in six games. “Our sense of urgency still isn’t where we need it to be," said Alaska coach Tim Cone. “And that’s what we’re trying to impart on the players. We’re still trying to climb back into this conference. We’re playing better, but not as well as we know we can play." - GMANews.TV