CHRIS Tiu stepped up for an undermanned Rain or Shine team that notched back-to-back wins in the PBA Governors’ Cup and got awarded with the Player of the Week nod for his efforts.
Tiu earned the honor for the period of Aug. 13-20 after beating teammates Jericho Cruz and Beau Belga, Meralco’s Garvo Lanete, Blackwater playmaker Roi Sumang, GlobalPort’s Stanley Pringle and NLEX’s Kevin Alas.
Rain or Shine has been in transition since management decided to trade long-time resident gunner Jeff Chan to Phoenix in exchange for Mark Borboran.
The Elasto Painters also had to deal with the absence of ace defender Gabe Norwood and Raymond Almazan, both on loan to Gilas in the FIBA Asia Cup in Beirut, Lebanon.
But Tiu showed why he’s a key contributor for coach Caloy Garcia as he averaged all-around numbers of 9.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists off the bench to help Rain or Shine register victories over KIA and TNT.
The 32-year-old Tiu provided instant offense with 13 points, including three triples, pulled down five rebounds and issued eight assists as Rain or Shine subdued KIA, 94-86 on Aug. 13.
A week later, Tiu contributed did just enough—tallying six points, five rebounds and six assists as Rain or Shine clobbered TNT, 105-73.
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