RAIN or Shine continues to soar in the PBA Governors’ Cup, rally back from an early 21-point deficit to beat NLEX, 124-105, in a battle of unbeaten teams Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Jhonard Clarito led the Elasto Painters’ assault with 24 points while four others also finished in double figures in a balanced scoring for the team that remained undefeated in three games to take the top spot in Group B.
The first game saw Meralco bouncing back from its previous loss against TNT by dominating Terrafirma, 107-91.
The Bolts improved to 2-1 in the same group in a tie with San Miguel and NLEX, while Terrafirma fell to 0-3.
Listed are the takeaways in the first playdate of the league at NAS
1.RAIN OR SHINE OFF TO BEST START IN THREE YEARS
Even coach Yeng Guiao felt unusual seeing his team off to 3-0 start after previously going 0-5 and 0-4 in its campaign during last season.
It’s the first time since the 2021 Philippine Cup bubble in Bacolor that the Elasto Painters opened their bid in this manner. And Guiao credits it to the team playing unselfish basketball where everybody shares the ball, doesn’t mind who takes the shot and who’s on the floor as they support each other together.
No wonder, the champion coach admitted himself he’s having fun seeing his team play on the court.
2.CAELAN TIONGSON SHOWS HIS DEFENSIVE SIDE
The rookie forward were among those who was in double figures for Rain or Shine with 10 points. But what stood out in the win was his defensive work on NLEX import Myke Henry.
The 31-year-old former NBA player had a sizzling start for the Road Warriors, going 7-for-7 from the field in leading the team to a 45-24 lead. But he found himself in foul trouble and then shut down by Tiongson in the second half to help the Elasto Painters rally back and take a 19-point win at the end of the game.
3.NOT A SECOND TIME FOR NLEX
For the second straight time, the Road Warriors failed to protect a huge lead, but this time they couldn’t salvage the game and the win. Last Sunday, NLEX also had Phoenix in early trouble, leading by as much as 24 points early in the third period.
But the Fuel Masters mounted a huge comeback and had the Road Warriors on the ropes until Henry, Anthony Semerad, and Robbie Herndon came with clutch baskets in the stretch to preserve the win.
It wasn’t the case with Rain or Shine, which saw the Road Warriors lost a 21-point lead and failed to regain their bearings and suffer their first loss in three outings.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
