A new look Rain or Shine team flexed its muscle just enough to score a 94-86 win over KIA and arrested a two-game skid in the PBA Governors Cup Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Elasto Painters paraded a new import in J’Nathan Bullock and then gave new acquisitions rookie Ed Daquioag and Mark Borboran ample playing time in the wire-to-wire win that leveled the team’s record at 2-2.
Bullock, coming as replacement for JD Weatherspoon, had a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds in his first game on local soil, while Daquioag and Borboran, acquired in two separate trade deals a week ago, added eight and five points, respectively.
“They only played one week together, but I think mabilis naman silang naka-pick up,” said coach Caloy Garcia of the three new members of the team.
“Hindi pa nag-sink-in sa akin nung una, pero tinanggap ko na rin naman kasi wala ka rin namang magagawa doon,” added Daquioag, who was acquired following a one-on-one trade with fellow Gilas cadet Mike Tolomia.
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Still, the old, reliable ones were there to deliver for the Elasto Painters, who remain as one of two teams the Picanto have yet beaten in its four-year franchise history.
Chris Tiu emerged the best local scorer for Rain or Shine with 13 points and eight assists, while Beau Belga added 12 points and three rebounds before being ejected midway in the third quarter for committing a technical and flagrant foul 1.
KIA Picanto remains winless in six games and at one point, trailed Rain or Shine by as many as 17 points, 76-59, early in the payoff period.
Import Markeith Cummings led Picanto with 30 points and seven rebounds, while Reden Celda complemented him with 15 points and six rebounds.
Three others finished in double figures for KIA, including rookie free agent Jackson Corpuz, who had a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds.
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