Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin made sure to commend his Rain or Shine counterpart Yeng Guiao for the Elasto Painters’ fight despite playing all-Filipino on Wednesday.
The Fuel Masters took control early and led by as many as 23 points but the Painters made things interesting late after pulling as close as four.
Jarin attributed Rain or Shine’s late-game resolve to Guiao and his coaching staff.
“First, I’d like to give a kudos to coach Yeng Guiao and all of their coaching staff. They were at a [clear] disadvantage going into this game,” said Jarin, whose squad notched its third consecutive win.
“We knew they might be coming in with a new import but I have to also give credit to our coaching staff. They did their homework, they prepared us and the players so we were ready to play them, whether they were with or without an import.”
Rain or Shine was forced to parade and all local crew after its replacement import Jordan Tolbert went over the height limit after being measured at 6-foot-6 and 1/8.
Minus an import, the Painters had five players in double-figures with Leonard Santillan and Norbert Torres scoring 14 each.
Beau Belga added 13 points, six rebounds and five assists while Rey Nambatac and Gian Mamuyac chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
RR Garcia led the way for the Fuel Masters with 17 points while Du’Vaughn Maxwell posted a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
“I wasn’t the only one who stepped up, because even my teammates were there and even before the game, in the dugout, coach told us not to underestimate them just because they don’t have an import,” said Garcia in Filipino.
“We’re learning from our losses and we’re maturing right now because of mature and experienced players like RR Garcia and RJ Jazul,” said Jarin.