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‘A team of weaker stuff would have folded up,’ says Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao as the Elasto Painters draw first blood against Magnolia in their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals
MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao beamed with pride as the Elasto Painters passed a test of character to open the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs.
Guiao praised his wards’ grit and resolve after Rain or Shine drew first blood against Magnolia in their best-of-five quarterfinals by eking out a 109-105 victory at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, September 25.
The Elasto Painters weathered the Hotshots’ four-point storm and overcame a 10-point deficit as they lived up to their billing after finishing as the top seed in Group B.
Magnolia sank a quartet of four-pointers and a pair of triples in a blazing 24-6 rally bridging the third and fourth quarters to turn a 70-78 deficit to a 94-84 lead, only to witness Rain or Shine fight back and set up the frantic finish.
“A team of weaker stuff would have folded up,” said Guiao. “It is a testament to the character of the guys. We were able to come back out of that.”
“Our character is being tested, and at least for now, we passed the test.”
Aaron Fuller delivered another 20-20 performance with 24 points and 20 rebounds on top of 4 assists, while Jhonard Clarito put up 20 points and 5 rebounds as they both played key roles in the Elasto Painters’ 11-3 finishing run.
The Hotshots still held a 102-98 edge with under three minutes left but got limited to a single field goal the rest of the way.
Rookie Caelan Tiongson buried a three-pointer to give Rain or Shine a 103-102 lead before Fuller and Clarito knocked down crucial free throws.
Adrian Nocum chipped in 14 points, Leonard Santillan put up 12 points and 9 rebounds, while Gian Mamuyac added 12 points and 6 rebounds for the Elasto Painters.
Despite leading Magnolia in scoring with 16 points, import Rayvonte Rice saw his offensive struggles continue as he shot 6-of-20 from the field in 34 minutes of action.
The locals stepped up for the Hotshots, with Paul Lee posting a near triple-double with 15 points, 13 assists, and 9 rebounds.
Jerrick Ahanmisi also shone in the loss with 15 points after accounting for three of the Hotshots’ six total four-pointers.
The Scores
Rain or Shine 109 – Fuller 24, Clarito 20, Nocum 14, Santillan 12, Mamuyac 12, Caracut 9, Tiongson 9, Lemetti 5, Belga 2, Datu 2, Asistio 0.
Magnolia 105 – Rice 16, Lee 15, Ahanmisi 15, Barroca 12, Lucero 11, Sangalang 11, Dela Rosa 8, Dionisio 7, Abueva 6, laput 2, Eriobu 2, Mendoza 0, Reavis 0.
Quarters : 19-16, 51-50, 82-80, 109-105.
– Rappler.com
