Blackwater import Greg Smith is guaranteeing an Elite sweep of the next two games of the team's best-of-three match-up against Rain or Shine in the 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals.
This bold statement comes after the Elite failed to close out the Elasto Painters on Saturday.
"120 percent confident we can win Game 2 and Game 3. I'll put my life on it. I know they're hungry, I'm hungry. I won't have a game like that again. Great game plan by that team, they played great but Game 2 I'm going to be ready, we'll be ready," Smith said after the loss.
Blackwater had a sizeable 80-72 advantage with 1:34 to go in the game before allowing the Elasto Painters to come back and steal the win from them. Turnovers and crucial misses also marred the Elite's final minute as Rain or Shine finished the game with an 11-0 kick to go up 1-0 in the series.
"They came out, they played hard, we missed a couple of shots that last minute. Kinda played undisciplined. A couple of turnovers, not making the right decision on defense. I mean, it has something to do with that team," Smith said. "They played lights out, they wanted to win a little more, so that just makes us go to the drawing board, back to the practice and get ready for Game 2."
Smith also vowed to bounce back in their second clash on Tuesday. The big man himself was neutralized on offense as Rain or Shine made life hard for him. He only shot 2-for-11 to contribute 16 points, but he was able to salvage that line with 19 rebounds and two steals.
"The series is not over. It's a long series. We've got two more games. I believe in this team, I believe in me. Me personally, I would never have a game where I'll shoot 2-for-11. I'll be more aggressive and I'll make those shots. Back to practice, back to scouting and get ready for next game. I'll be ready," he said.
On a different note, Blackwater fans can expect Smith to return whether or not they advance further in the playoffs given his fondness for the Elite.
"This team right here is a brotherhood. I came in the first day and they accepted me. They told me what they liked to do on offense and defense. I love it right now. This is a team that I will play for every time I come back. The organization's great, the owner's great, the coaches," Smith said. "[They're] one of the best teams to play in this league."