By NIKOLE JAVIER
Rain or Shine fended off Blackwater’s determined challenge, 122-117, for its first in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, Feb. 12.
The Elasto Painters, who were trailing for most of the second half, had to recover from an eight-point deficit to finally savor the sweet taste of victory after dropping their first four games.
Greg Smith II, who arrived only on Feb. 9 to take over the import duties from Michael Qualls, provided the telling blows for the struggling Rain or Shine. He finished with 38 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Leonard Santillan also came through with 16 points and seven rebounds to help breath life to the team co-owned by Raymund Yu and Terry Que.
Nick Demusis and Shaun Ildefonso also delivered for ROS by adding 12 points in the much-needed win.
Down by eight in the final quarter, 87-95, the Elasto Painters slowly inched closer and eventually tie the game at 100-all with Smith’s split free throws.
From that moment, Rain or Shine started to pull away for good after Santillan’s layup which was quickly followed by Demusis’ three-pointer.
The Elastos Painters would hold on to the win until the final buzzer as Rey Nambatac iced the game from the foul line.
“To be honest, I was kinda worried because he [Smith] came from a long flight, so I know he’s not in 100% shape. I guess he just proved me wrong today and played his heart out. [He was] key in stopping Troy Williams on the other side. Di na namin alam masyadong iyong feeling nang nanalo. Tagal na nung last kami nanalo,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.
Troy Williams paced the Bossing with a double-double performance of 40 points, 13 rebounds and six assists as they absorbed a 1-4 record in the standings.
