PAINTERS SURVIVE ROAD WARRIORS
Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Blackwater vs Alaska 6:45 p.m. – Magnolia vs TNT KaTropa
Rain or Shine regained some of the confidence lost from last week’s stunning loss to Kia by delivering an all-around performance in frustrating NLEX, 97-86, yesterday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Maverick Ahanmisi had 20 points, eight rebounds, and three assists while Gabe Norwood and James Yap scored 13 and 12 points, respectively, to help the Elasto Painters redeem themselves following the shock 98-94 defeat to the lowly Picanto.
The Elasto Painters improved to 3-3 for solo fifth at presstime. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, with a 2-2 record, was playing 2-3 Phoenix in last night’s main game.
“I told the players that the only way we can forget our game against Kia is to basically win this game,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia. “I felt disappointed on how we performed that game and I told them that everybody who gets inside the court has to put that energy,” Garcia said.
“Against Kia, kahit anung balasa ko, I think we were too confident against that team. But (last night), I hope we can be consistent in playing this way. I told them that we just have to play as a unit, we’re not looking for one guy but we’re just trying to move the ball and get the best possible shot. Ayun maganda ball movement and everybody just put the effort in.”
The morale-boosting victory came despite missing the services of center Raymond Almazan, who was handed a one-game suspension plus a ₱20,000 fine by newlyinstalled commissioner Willie Marcial for figuring in a fight with Kia’s Eric Camson in the previous game.
Almazan’s absence hardly mattered for the Elasto Painters, who got eight points from Ahanmisi in the first quarter before Yap and Norwood combined for 15 of the team’s 25 points in the second to build a 53-38 halftime lead.
Ahanmisi continued his offensive spark in the third with nine as Rain or Shine even led by a high of 21 points, 59-38, while only allowed NLEX to pull to at least 10, 79-69, on a JR Quinahan jumper, 8:38 to play in the game. Scores: First Game
RAIN OR SHINE 97 – Ahanmisi 20, Norwood 13, Yap 12, Tiu 11, Borboran 9, Daquioag 7, Maiquez 6, Nambatac 6, Belga 6, Cruz 3, Ponferada 2, Trollano 2.
NLEX 86 – Quinahan 22, Mallari 17, Ravena 14, Baguio 9, Tiongson 6, Alas 6, Gotladera 4, Fonacier 3, Uyloan 3, Soyud 2, Monfort 0, Rios 0, Taulava 0.
Quarters: 25-20; 53-38; 73-62; 9786.