Rain or Shine targets win No. 2 against dangerous Terrafirm

FOR the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, what they got from Henry Walker in their first outing Thursday was what they expected all along.

The good vibes pervaded in their rousing 92-79 victory over the Blackwater side that started strong only to fade away and stay on a slump in a long, long stretch now dating back to PBA Philippine Cup Clark bubble.

Walker kept the EPainters intact despite a slow start and himself led the way in a turnaround en route to a triumphant debut in the Governors' Cup.

They go for victory No. 2 against Terrafirma and its own solid import in Antonio Hester at 6:45 p.m. Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

What Walker provided in their 13-point spanking of the Bossing was not lost on his teammates.

"Maganda talaga siyang impluwensya. With him leading the way, we stayed together," said Rey Nambatac.

"Alam naman natin kung ano ang kaya niyang gawin. Noong nalaman nga naming mga players na siya ang import namin, natuwa kami. We all know his capability," Nambatac also said, all praises of the veteran PBA import.

But a tough test could be in the offing for Rain or Shine against the rejigged Terrafirma team.

The Dyip, now led by former San Miguel Beer ace guard Alex Cabagnot, showed great potential but blew away a 17-point third-quarter lead in a 100-103 heartbreaker of a loss to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters also on Thursday.

Hester was an intimidating presence that produced 28 points and 16 rebounds in an impressive PBA debut.

Cabagnot, meanwhile, chalked up 12 markers, seven rebounds and five assists against seven turnovers in his initial outing in Terrafirma uniform.

The Fuel Masters blew away the game with assistant coach Gian Nazario calling the shots as head coach Johnedel Cardel was confined on the bench nursing back spasm. (SB)