RAIN OR SHINE’S Wendell McKines barrels into Blackwater’s Jason Ballesteros on his way to the basket. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
Rain or Shine took command early and never let up, blowing newcomer Blackwater to bits last night, 123-85, to get back in the groove in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Paul Lee jumpstarted the Elasto Painters’ offense by firing all his 13 points in the first period as Rain or Shine won for just the second time in six games in what coach Yeng Guiao described as a “sense of buoyancy” for one of the most consistent teams the last three seasons.
“It’s been a long time since we’ve been in a situation like this,” Guiao told reporters after inflicting the worst loss in the young existence of the Elite in the pro ranks. “We’ve been struggling, living day-to-day, game-by-game.
“A win like this gives our confidence a boost. We’re not ready to give up on this conference,” he added. “When you’re drowning, you just cling to anything that gives you some buoyancy. This is important for our ego.”
Barangay Ginebra survived a nip-and-tuck match with Globalport later in the night by scoring four points inside the final 12.3 seconds for a 111-108 overtime win in the nightcap.
“It was a big win for us, a loss would have buried us deep (in the standings),” Ginebra coach Frankie Lim said after his Gin Kings improved to 3-4 and denied the Batang Pier an outright playoff spot.
Globalport, which forged extension at 101 after Omar Krayem drained a triple with 4.5 seconds left, dropped to 4-3.
Six Painters scored at least 10, with import Wendell McKines and Jervy Cruz sharing team honors with 15.
Rain or Shine posted leads of as large as 40 points and was threatening to chalk up the most lopsided victory of the season until Guiao let his shock troopers do the mop-up job.
The previous worst loss by the Elite came at the hands of San Miguel Beer, a 62-91 debacle in the Philippine Cup eliminations.
The scores:
First Game
RAIN OR SHINE 123—McKines 15, Cruz Jervy 15, Lee 13, Chan 12, Tang 11, Belga 10, Cruz Jericho 9, Teng 8, Almazan 8, Norwood 7, Ibañes 5, Quiñahan 5, Tiu 3, Araña 2, Uyloan 0.
BLACKWATER 85—Douthit 14, Reyes 13, Faundo 10, Celiz 10, Cervantes 8, Acuna 7, Heruela 6, Laure 6, Ballesteros 4, Salvacion 3, Timberlake 2, Golla 2, Erram 0, Bulawan 0, Gamalinda 0.
Quarters: 30-22, 61-35, 87-56, 123-85
Second Game
GINEBRA 111—Johnson 34, Aguilar 18, Helterbrand 13, Tenorio 12, Caguioa 12, Kim 11, Slaughter 7, Peña 2, Marcelo 2, Urbiztondo 0, Mercado 0, Brondial 0.
GLOBALPORT 108—Famous 39, Krayem 19, Romeo 18, Pringle 13, Jensen 5, Mamaril 4, Semerad 3, Buenafe 3, Hayes 2, Kramer 2, Isip 0, Miranda 0.
Quarters: 21-25, 50-46, 78-77, 101-101, 111-108