MANILA, Philippines—PBA Commissioner’s Cup guest team Eastern entered Friday’s game against Terrafirma with a roster filled with fatigued swingmen.

Fortunately for the Hong Kong-based team, they had a spark plug in Steven Guinchard to successfully salvage a quarterfinals seat following a 134-110 demolition of Dyip at Philsports Arena.

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Eastern played its third straight game in as many games, but that didn’t slow down Guinchard one bit.

“For me, the fatigue was not so much of an issue because I haven’t played in the EASL and I don’t play in the local league so personally, I’m fine,” said Guinchard.

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Hong Kong Eastern’s Steven Guinchard during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against Terrafirma Dyip. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“We all stay together so if someone isn’t having the best day, someone else can step up so there’s no pressure for us… At least, we know how to turn that pressure into excitement.”

Eastern’s sweet shooter turned in a 20-point performance, including five buckets from three and one from the four-point area.

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Guinchard also helped the cause of Eastern, which had to make do without import Chris McLaughlin who exited the game after just five minutes of action due to an ankle injury.

Coach Mensur Bajramovic himself was aware of the squad’s workload in the coming weeks.

Now, Eastern looks to salvage a twice-to-beat advantage after securing a PBA playoff seat with Guinchard expected to continue to be among the key players.

“Of course, we’ll get some losses as victims of the schedule, for sure but for now we’re looking forward to the playoffs and the first two spots,” said Bajramovic.

“We need to win all three games to try and get those first two spots.”