Rain or Shine still in search of first win after loss to UAE in Jones Cup

Rain or Shine guard Gian Mamuyac against UAE at the William Jones Cup in Taipei. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines-Rain or Shine slipped to 0-3 in the 42nd William Jones Cup on Monday after dealing a stinging 73-71 loss to the United Arab Emirates on Monday at Taipei Heping Gymnasium.

The Elasto Painters had their chances to capitalize on the miscues by UAE in the final minute but couldn’t come away with the go-ahead basket that resulted in another setback in Taiwan.

Santi Santillan’s go-ahead layup attempt was blocked while Rain or Shine, down by a point, couldn’t get the rebound when Qais Omar Alshabebi missed two free throws, including picking up his own attempt.

Hamid Abdullateef Albreiki split his two charities with three seconds left before Gian Mamuyac’s running three-point shot for the win was blocked before time expired, keeping Rain or Shine winless in the international tournament.

Coach Yeng Guiao’s team fell short in its best chance of getting a win at this point of the tournament after dropping its first two assignments at the hands of Chinese-Taipei A (98-79) and Chinese-Taipei B (89-79) in the first two days.

FILE – Rain or Shine reinforcement Ange Kouame goes for a hook shot during a game against Chinese Taipei in the William Jones Cup. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Demusis had 12 points, three rebounds and three steals to continue his status as one of the few bright spots for Rain or Shine in Taiwan.

Import Nick Evans waxed hot early but was benched during the crucial stages to also finish with 12 points and four rebounds. Anton Asistio scored all of his nine points on three triples in the third quarter when Rain or Shine had control of the contest while Mamuyac added eight points and five assists.

Ange Kouame was held to eight points and six rebounds after posting a double-double in the previous two games.

Albreiki had 22 points and six steals to give UAE its first win after three matches.

Rain or Shine continues its campaign on Tuesday against Qatar in a 3 p.m. tipoff.

The scores:

UAE 73—Albreiki H.A. 22, Alshabebi 11, Alzaabi 10, Mohammad F.M. 9, Thomas 7, Alameri 5, Albreiki A.A. 4, Alhashmi 2, Almaazmi 2, Ahmad 1, Albreiki M.A. 0, Alsawan 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 71—Demusis 12, Evans 12, Asistio 9, Mamuyac 8, Kouame 8, Nambatac 7, Santillan 5, Norwood 3, Belo 3, Ponferrada 2, Borboran 2, Ildefonso 0.

Quarters: 11-14, 33-35, 50-53, 73-71.