Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Beau Belga in the PBA Philippine Cup game against NorthPort. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine turned to Beau Belga anew to extend the Elasto Painters’ winning streak to five, much to the delight of coach Yeng Guiao.
After registering a historic triple-double a few weeks ago, Belga reached another milestone by tallying a career-high in points in Rain or Shine’s 115-105 victory over Northport in the PBA Philippine Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday.
Belga dropped a double-double to the tune of 28 points and 13 rebounds with seven assists to match and Guiao, as usual, took notice.
READ: PBA: Beau Belga sets new career high as Rain or Shine beats NorthPort
“He got a new one again? Beau?”asked Guiao in jest.
“Of course, we’re happy and elated that Beau has been consistent. Of course, like we always say, he needs to work overtime because we’re short on bigs. He has a lot to give so I know he can fill that role.”
Rain or Shine has been actively dealing with the problem of missing Keith Datu due to injury. It has yet to activate first-rounder Luis Villegas, who is recovering from an ACL injury.
READ: PBA: Beau Belga getting smarter with age, Yeng Guiao teases
Belga, though, made sure that he wasn’t the only one getting a piece of the pie, crediting his teammates after the win that put Rain or Shine to a 5-4 record.
According to the wide-bodied big man, it was the entire Elasto Painters who motivated Belga to shoot and reset his personal best.
“Coach (Yeng) really has confidence in me that every time I suggest something for our plays, he makes it a point to adjust so my teammates give me trust whenever I’m open. That alone makes my confidence high,” said Belga in Filipino.
“Not only one guy here is playing better. It’s always two or three more guys scoring in double digits and that’s what coach refers to as a balanced offense. It’s not just one playing good in one game.”
Belga and the Elasto Painters look to extend their win streak even longer as the playoff looms when they take on Magnolia this Saturday at Tiaong Convention Center.