Sharp Rain or Shine shows no rust from long break after breezy win over Blackwater
MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine eased Yeng Guiao’s worries as the Elasto Painters sustained their winning form in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Despite a lengthy layoff, Rain or Shine got off a sizzling start and coasted to its fifth straight victory after dealing struggling Blackwater a 122-106 beating at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, January 8.
Import Deon Thompson, Adrian Nocum, and Santi Santillan scored at least 20 points each in the breezy victory that saw the Elasto Painters enjoy a lead as big as 23 points.
“My primary concern at the beginning was how sharp the guys were going to be coming off an almost three-week break,” said Guiao, with Rain or Shine last playing on December 22.
“This is our first game in the new year, I was a bit concerned with how they’re going to play. We’ve had good practices but the games are different.”
But Guiao’s uneasiness was quickly dashed as the Elasto Painters raced to a 39-16 lead — an impressive show of offensive force in the first 10 minutes of the game.
Although the Bossing got within 6 points on multiple occasions in the second period, Rain or Shine safely cruised in the last two frames behind Thompson and Nocum.
Thompson provided stability with 25 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Nocum came alive after a quiet first half, pouring 18 of his 22 points in the second half to go with 5 rebounds and 3 steals.
Santillan fired 20 points and Anton Asistio chimed in 18 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds for the Elasto Painters, who improved to 5-1.
“The important thing for us is to reach the next round. We believe seven wins will assure you of a slot in that playoffs, in the next round,” said Guiao.
“We have five wins now, we’re just looking to play and win another one, get us close to seven as early as we can.”
Caelan Tiongson added 11 points while also finding time to defend Blackwater import George King, who got contained this time after dropping a whopping 64 points in a blowout win over Rain or Shine last conference.
King still delivered 35 points with 12 rebounds and 4 assists, but he shot just 7-of-20 from the field, with his most of his scoring coming from his 17-of-18 clip from the free throw line.
Justin Chua backed King with 10 points and 8 rebounds in the loss that dropped the Bossing to 1-6.
The Scores
Rain or Shine 122 – Thompson 25, Nocum 22, Santillan 20, Asistio 18, Tiongson 11, Clarito 9, Demusis 8, Caracut 6, Ildefonso 1, Belga 0, Norwood 0, Lemetti 0, Escandor 0.
Blackwater 106 – King 35, Ayonayon 11, David 10, Chua 10, Escoto 9, Ponferrada 6, Suerte 6, Kwekuteye 5, Jopia 5, Hill 4, Casio 3, Corteza 2, Guinto 0.
Quarters: 39-25, 56-47, 94-79, 122-106.
– Rappler.com