RAIN or Shine rookie Caelan Tiongson impressed in his Philippine pro debut as the Elasto Painters beat Blackwater, 110-97, on Tuesday in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Tiongson aided the Elasto Painters in building a big lead to earn a solid win to open its campaign in Group B against No. 2 draftee Sedrick Barefield and the rest of the Bossing.
Fellow rookie Felix Lemetti also had a respectable showing for the Elasto Painters, who led by as many as 21 points.
But it was Tiongson who set the tone for Rain or Shine, scoring 11 of his 15 points in the second quarter, while grabbing five rebounds and dishing two assists.
Lemetti, meanwhile, had 11 points and shot 3-of-5 from threes as the two first-rounders made huge contributions for Rain or Shine in its first game of the season.
Aaron Fuller had 24 points and 19 rebounds for the Elasto Painters, while Santi Santillan had 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field.
“Masaya ako sa mga performances ng rookies namin. Caelan played well. Felix played well,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
Barefield came off the bench for the Bossing in his much-awaited PBA debut and had 18 points on 8-of-20 shooting from the field while also grabbing four rebounds.
James Kwekuteye had 17 points but import Ricky Ledo struggled from the field, making 4-of-23 from the field and finished with 12 points.
The Bossing also scored just 12 points in the third quarter, while conceding 24 points to trail, 83-62.
Guiao was also happy with the 29 assists that the team registered.
“Our focus was to just be able to play our fast-paced game. We wanted the guys to feel good about taking their shots when they are open, moving the ball. In the first half, we already had 19 assists. I’m very happy with how we shared the ball,” said Guiao.
James Kwekuteye had 17 points but import Ricky Ledo struggled from the field, making 4-of-23 from the field and finished with 12 points.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 110 – Fuller 24, Tiongson 15, Santillan 12, Lemetti 11, Mamuyac 10, Asistio 9, Nocum 8, Clarito 8, Ildefonso 4, Villegas 4, Datu 3, Belga 2, Caracut 0, Norwood 0.
Blackwater 97 – Barefield 18, Kwekuteye 17, Guinto 15, Ledo 12, Rosario 10, David 7, Chua 6, Casio 5, Tungcab 3, Suerte 2, Jopia 2, Montalbo 0, Ponferrada 0, Hill 0, Mitchell 0.
Quarters: 30-26; 59-50; 83-62; 110-97.
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