Rain or Shine import Greg Smith II. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Hobbled by frosty shooting for most of the game, Rain or Shine on Sunday night got it together just in time to hack out a 122-117 victory and pick up only its first win in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Painters leaned on new import Greg Smith II—a player Yeng Guiao has been targeting since 2016—to finally end its five-game slump in the season-ending showcase.
“I was kind of worried because he came from a long flight, and hasn’t been really competing the last few months. I know he’s not in 100 percent shape but I guess he just proved me wrong (tonight), playing his heart out,” the fiery mentor said of his new backup, who replaced Michael Qualls.
Smith finished with 38 points while Santi Santillan chipped in 16 more off the bench to replenish the Painters’ hope in itself.
“We’ve forgotten what it feels to win. But we said that we will re-commit ourselves to the next six games,” Guiao went on. “As long as we’re still in for the playoffs, something might still happen.”
Also coming through for Rain or Shine were Beau Belga, Shaun Ildefonso, and Nick Demusis who all tallied 12 points each to help deal the Bossing their fifth loss in six outings.
Troy Williams sustained his high-scoring ways, putting up 40 points that went with 13 rebounds and six assists, while James Sena and Tyrus Hill added at least 14 points each in the losing effort that should worry Blackwater as its next three games are against heavyweights: TNT, Ginebra, and then Converge.
Rain or Shine, meanwhile, will have another chance to boost its record as it plays 2-3 Terrafirma next.