RETRO was the theme on Wednesday night in the PBA Philippine Cup as Rain or Shine wore its original Welcoat Dragons jersey for its game against the Converge FiberXers.
The nostalgia appeared to do wonders for the Elasto Painters as they proceeded to demolish the FiberXers, 110-90, for their second straight win after starting the season-ending conference with four straight losses.
In the other game, Meralco hacked out a tough 86-83 win over Terrafirma to likewise book a second straight win and tie its victim at 3-3.
Here are a few takeaways in the doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
1) Beau Belga made the night a memorable one for the Welcoat franchise as he registered a first-ever career triple double of 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. In the process he also became the first local player of the team to achieve the feat on the night the Elasto Painters put on their original 2006 jersey to pay homage to the proud legacy of the 18-year franchise. The 37-year-old Belga, who also shot 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, became the oldest player to record a triple double since four-time MVP Ramon Fernandez did it in 1992 for San Miguel at the age of 38.
2) Belga was not the only Rain or Shine player who was in the zone against Converge. Sophomore guard Shaun Ildefonso played his best game as a pro behind a career-high 15 points while playing for the first time against cousin BJ Andrade, while guard Andre Caracut had his third career double-double with 15 points and 13 assists – also a career-high.
3) Bong Quinto proved once again his invaluable presence at Meralco by scoring six of the Bolts’ last seven points in their win over Terrafirma. Held to just two points in the first two quarters, the former Letran Knight exploded for 16 points in the second half including a three pointer in the final two minutes as the Bolts moved on top for good, 82-81.
4) Converge remained the only winless team in the all-Filipino conference after absorbing its sixth straight losses. The franchise also became the first team since Terrafirma in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup to lose three in a row by at least 20 points each.
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