By JEREMIAH SEVILLA
ANGELES CITY – Rookie guard Adrian Wong needed some tough love from Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia to bring out his A-game against NorthPort on Sunday.
Garcia admitted he shouted at Wong at one point, but that pushed the former Ateneo gunner to finish with a game-high 15 points highlighted by three triples in the Elasto Painters’ 80-78 escape against the Batang Pier at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center powered by Smart 5G.
“Actually, I shouted at him ’cause he kept on hesitating,” said Garcia after ROS chalked up its third win in as many games to join TNT atop the standings.
“He was scared inside so he was straying away from what he was supposed to play. The nice thing is he stepped up after I said that,” added the soft-spoken tactician.
Wong, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the draft last year, poured eight points in the fourth quarter, including a huge triple that gave the Elasto Painters their biggest lead at 63-52 with 5:17 left in the nip-and-tuck game.
ROS leaned on its airtight defense and Rey Nambatac’s clutch free throws from there.
Wong had two rebounds and two assists as well in 20 minutes of play.
Garcia also commended another newcomer in Clint Doliguez, who was selected next to Wong in the draft.
The former San Beda standout knocked down two three-pointers that helped the Painters climb out of an early 13-point hole.
“Clint came in and gave us quality minutes,” said Garcia.
