Rain or Shine’s Santi Santillan saves the day for Elastopainters. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Rain or Shine overcame the absence of import Greg Smith II to sneak past Terrafirma, 120-118, behind Santi Santillan’s game-winning basket in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Santillan scored an open layup off Rey Nambatac’s pass with 0.7 seconds left, making up for an earlier miscue, as the Elasto Painters nabbed their second straight win after going 0-4 to start the season-ending conference.
SANTI SANTILLAN FOR THE WIN! #PBAGameTayoDito pic.twitter.com/DGOM9kDe6v
— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 16, 2023
The win came despite Smith not playing as he has yet to secure a clearance, much to the surprise of the Rain or Shine camp.
But coach Yeng Guiao was glad that guys like Santillan, Andrei Caracut and veteran Gabe Norwood were able to fill the void.
“It’s very fulfilling to see these guys step up,” said Guiao.
WATCH: Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel receives a technical foul for entering the court in protest over a non-call. Cardel thought import Jordan Williams was fouled after driving to the basket against two Rain or Shine defenders. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/YUJktVmMxu
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 16, 2023
Caracut scored a career-high 25 points spiked by six triples, Santillan had 21 points and six rebounds while Gabe Norwopd was also knocking down rainbow shots and finished with 18.
Terrafirma fell to 2-4, despite 30
points from import Jordan Williams after a second straight defeat.
Import Jordan Williams recovered from a three-point first half and put an offensive show that allowed the Dyip to give themselves a chance.