PROLIFIC Rain or Shine import Wayne Chism boxes out Barako Bull counterpart Solomon Alabi in a rebound battle. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines–Wayne Chism is quickly repaying Rain or Shine’s faith in his competence.
The 6-foot-8 import waxed hot early to power the Elasto Painters to a 103-91 whipping of Barako Bull Friday night for their third straight victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Chism fired 15 of his 32 points in the opening period as the Elasto Painters roared to a swashbuckling first half on their way to improving to 5-2 and a share of second spot with Talk ‘N Text.
“It’s been good with Wayne, that’s what we expected,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “(Rick) Jackson is not a bad import but we’re a lot quicker and we have more flexibility on offense in Chism.”
Chism, who is coming off a stint in Israel, showed up 20 pounds lighter than when he suited up for the Elasto Painters last season, when he led them to a semifinal appearance in the Commissioner’s Cup.
The result is a quicker and a more deadly offensive arsenal that gave Rain or Shine added firepower to hold off one of the top teams of the tournament so far.
Chism finished with seven triples and also grabbed seven rebounds for the Elasto Painters, who got 16 points from the returning Paul Lee.
The Energy fell to their third loss in seven games, dropping into a tie for fourth with Purefoods and Ginebra.
Barako Bull import Solomon Alabi had 23 points and 13 boards but the league’s top rim protector failed to block a single shot despite averaging 4.6 in the first six games of the tournament.
Barako Bull led 18-13, before Rain or Shine dropped a 29-9 bomb in the second period to sieze control.
“We knew that Barako is the best defensive team, so we just wanted to draw out Alabi and create some space in the middle,” said Guiao.
Meanwhile, the league announced the staging of a couple of games in Dubai on May 21 and 22 at Al Shabbab Al Arabi Club.
Globalport plays Rain or Shine on May 21 before the Elasto Painters square off with Ginebra the next day.
The scores:
First Game
RAIN OR SHINE 103—Chism 32, Lee 16, Quinahan 12, Chan 11, Norwood 7, Cruz 7, Tang 6, Almazan 4, Uyloan 3, Belga 3, Arana 2, Ibanes 0, Teng 0.
BARAKO 91—Alabi 23, Intal 19, Lanete 14, Marcelo 11, Mercado 9, Lastimosa 6, Garcia 4, Matias 3, Pascual 2, Chua 0, Hubalde 0, Salva 0, Paredes 0, Sorongon 0.
Quarters: 30-27, 53-40, 77-62, 103-91