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Rain or Shine coldly put a damper on Manny Pacquiao’s breakthrough moment with the Mahindra Enforcers.
Bucking another lethargic first half, the Elasto Painters frustrated Pacquiao and his Enforcers, 108-94, Sunday in the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup.
The Filipino boxing icon scored his first field goal in the league—a 12-foot baseline jumper on the left flank early in the second quarter—that electrified the crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Congressman Pacquiao made history by scoring in this game, so we will be posterized forever,’’ said Rain Or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, Pacquiao’s colleague at the House of Representatives.
At least, the Elasto Painters avoided a double whammy by pulling away in the third quarter with JR Quinahan and Jeff Chan conspiring on the job.
Rookie Maverick Ahanmisi, Rain Or Shine’s No. 3 overall pick, scored 11 of his 14 points in the final period that created more separation from the Enforcers.
“We’re still struggling with our first half. But we cannot keep on doing that and make it a habit,’’ said Guiao. “I have to wake them up in the locker room to have more energy in the 2nd half.”
The Elasto Painters will go on a nine-day break after winning their first two games for the solo lead.
On their debut, the Enforcers leaned on Karl Dehesa, Aldrech Ramos and LA Revilla, who combined for 48 points.
“I told them before the game that this team has the capacity to embarrass any team in the league,’’ said Guiao.
Pacquiao, Mahindra’s playing-coach, hit the jumper with 10 minutes to go in the second, giving the Enforcers a 27-25 edge.
The eight-division world champion and Sarangani congressman was 0-of-4 from the field and sank one free throw last conference before converting the wide-open shot.
He was fielded late in the first quarter and played for 5:58 minutes.
“If you leave him open, he can make shots,’’ said Guiao, Pampanga’s first district representative.