KEITH Datu showed what exactly he can offer for Rain or Shine when healthy.
In just his second game back from a hurting calf, the sophomore big man dropped a career-high 27 points as the Elasto Painters withstood a strong Blackwater stand, 120-106, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
It was Datu who kept the Elasto Painters in the game amid Blackwater's torrid shooting early on, scoring 20 points in the first half. He added eight rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. He hit three from the three-point arc, and shot 11-of-17 from the field.
READ Datu catches fire with 27 points in ROS win over Blackwater
The Fil-Am big man however, credited the entire team for the victory that raised Rain or Shine’s record to 3-2.
“It’s all a team effort out there, Blackwater had an amazing scoring night. So I think we played defense a little bit more,” he said.
But Datu’s scoring presence inside allowed Rain or Shine to outscore Blackwater in the paint, 54-34.
It helped too, that Datu finally got back his frontcourt partners Caelan Tiongson and veteran big man Beau Belga, who are also coming off injuries like Datu.
Tiongson in particular was also active on both ends, finishing with 14 points, three rebounds, and four assists.
“Its definitely helps when Caelan and I are helping as far as size (is concerned). The last few games we were outsized so it’s nice to have Caelan back there, doing the dirty works, and grabbing rebounds,” said Datu.
But he is aware about hitting his career high on this special night, adding he was looking to hit 30 but missed on a late three pointer.
“I was hoping to hit that 3 at the end of the game. But I’m not too focused on career-highs and stuff like that. I just want my team to continue to win, I want us to be contenders, and hopefully continue to make a positive impact out there,” said Datu.
And about falling short of scoring 30?
“Hopefully, next time,” said Datu with a big smile.
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