Import Kayel Locke off to frustrating start with Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines—Kayel Locke had an uneventful debut for Rain or Shine in the PBA Governors’ Cup that ended in a frustrating 69-68 loss Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

From disallowed field goals to adjusting to the league’s physicality, Locke struggled in his opener as did the Elasto Painters, who didn’t make a single basket in the first quarter.

Rain or Shine went 0-of-16 in the opening frame and Locke had two of his potential three-point plays ruled as charging fouls.

“It was hard, it was tough, I think that we got a couple of bad calls,” said Locke. “We didn’t move the ball as well as we could’ve and when things are not going your way it’s hard to get over that hump.”

Locke finished with 13 points, on 5-of-15 shooting, and nine rebounds but he turned the ball over six times and was called with four fouls.

Despite the early misses, the Elasto Painters found a way to give the defending champions a run for their money in the second half.

Rain or Shine ended the third quarter on a 10-0 run to take a 52-47 lead heading into the fourth.

“I think midway through the second half, we found a little bit of rhythm and the guys started to play well,” said Locke who had 11 points in the last two quarters. “I think we played good defense tonight but at the end of the day we just got to keep getting better on practice.”