THE Chinese Taipei national team gave Rain or Shine a rude welcome in the 42nd Jones Cup following a 98-79 win Saturday night at the Taipei Heping Gymnasium.
Rain or Shine vs Chinese Taipei Jones Cup recap
The Elasto Painters fell by as many as 17 points in the first quarter when the Taiwanese scored 40 points alone.
Coach Yeng Guiao admitted the flat start by Rain or Shine took its toll on the team the rest of the way.
"Yung first quarter masama, e. "We gave up 40 points in the first quarter. From there, di na tayo nakabawi," he said.
Andrei Caracut finished with 18 points to lead the way for the Elasto Painters, who got a double-double from naturalized player Ange Kouame with 15 points and 16 rebounds.
Import Nick Evans was held scoreless in the first half, though he managed to end up with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Chinese Taipei meant business from the start as Senegalese-Taiwanese Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga and 6-foot-11 naturalized player William Artino teamed up to spearheaded the host team's fiery opening quarter.
Artino had 23 points and nine rebounds, while Gadiaga added 22.
Chinese Taipei's lead ballooned to as many as 31 points in the third quarter.
Rain or Shine will have no time to ponder on the 19-point blowout as it faces Chinese Taipei-B on Sunday.
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