Rain or Shine’s Mike Nieto. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Mike Nieto had a rousing debut, helping Rain or Shine beat NorthPort, 104-90, in the PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Nieto, who signed a two-year deal with Rain or Shine exactly a week ago, introduced himself to the league with a team-high 21 points.
Henry Walker notched a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for the Elasto Painters, who stopped a two-game skid for a 3-3 record.
Jamel Artis and Kevin Ferrer each scored 23 points for the Batang Pier, who remained winless at 0-5.
NorthPort played without its star guard Robert Bolick, who just signed an extension with the team earlier in the day.
Trailing big for the majority of the second half, the Batang Pier tried to stay alive in the fourth quarter.
A triple by Ferrer kept them in it, cutting Rain or Shine’s lead to 10 with still 3:09 remaining.
But the Painters answered with a Nieto jumper and a 3-pointer from Anton Asistio to put the Batang Pier away for good with two minutes to go.