ROS revives aspiration
NEW IMPORT PROVIDES BOARD WORK
Games tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Columbian Dyip vs Phoenix Pulse 7 p.m. – NLEX vs TNT KaTropa
With new import Kwame Alexander filling in the void under the boards, Rain or Shine arrested a four-game skid and revived its playoffs aspiration in the PBA Governors’ Cup with a 99-82 dispatching of Blackwater last night at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Alexander, who came in to replace Kayel Locke, dropped 17 markers and hauled down 16 rebounds in his debut for the E-Painters, sparking a furious 3015 fourth-quarter assault that paved the way for their second win in five starts.
The crucial victory placed ROS in a tie with Blackwater and idle Phoenix Pulse at ninth spot.
“Finally we’re able to at least break the losing streak and still have the chance for the Top 8,” said ROS mentor Caloy Garcia, whose wards need similar results in their next four assignments to meet their quarterfinals objective.
Alexander was a steady force for ROS, adding three assists and three steals aside from his solid 3-13 rebounding output, to give Garcia a big lift.
“He gave us what we need – rebound, rebound, rebound. Today he came out well, except that he tweaked his ankle in the third quarter that’s why he slowed down a bit,” said Garcia.
NorthPort trade acquisition Christian Standhardinger put one over his old team San Miguel, helping the Batang Pier to a 127-119 verdict in the second game.
Nine days after getting traded for Mo Tautuaa, the Fil-German quickly made an impact for NorthPort and produced 18-5-7 as he teamed up with debuting import Michael Qualls (40-18) and Jervy Cruz (21-10) in the Batang Pier’s third win in seven appearances for a share of No. 6.
The Batang Pier laid to waste the 56-point explosion of Dez Wells.
Notes: Phoenix Pulse is the latest team to bring in an NBA caliber import in Alonzo Gee, and Fuel Masters star Matthew Wright expects to learn a lot from the former Cleveland Cavalier as they try to make a final push for the quarters. “He’s telling stories like he played with LeBron (James) and Kyrie (Irving), so he’s seen the best of the best. Hopefully, he can teach me some things, improve my game so I can help the guys,” said Wright. “We’re excited to have him.” The scores: First Game Rain or Shine 99 – Nambatac 18, Alexander 17, Belga 17, Daquioag 13, Exciminiano 8, Ponferada 7, Borboran 7, Norwood 5, Mocon 3, Onwubere 3.
Blackwater 82 – Parks 27, Blakely 21, Cortez 16, Sumang 7, Belo 7, Maliksi 2, Sena 2, Cruz 0, Desiderio 0, Heruela 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Jose 0. Quarterscores: 20-26, 49-40, 69-67, 99-82 Second Game NorthPort 127 – Qualls 40, Cruz 21, Standhardinger 18, Ferrer 17, Escoto 10, Bolick 9, Elorde 8, Taha 2, Lanete 2.
San Miguel 119 – Wells 56, Fajardo 22, Santos 13, Romeo 12, Cabagnot 6, Pessumal 6, Nabong 2, Tautuaa 2, Ross 0, Rosser 0.
Quarterscores: 36-29, 64-57, 94-91, 127-119