Gabe Norwood vs Rafi Reavis PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao guaranteed the win and his team delivered.
The Elasto Painters nipped the B-Meg Llamados, 83-76, in Game 7 Sunday night to clinch the 2012 PBA Governors Cup title for its first title in history at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Everyday is see them. I know they have a big heart. I saw it in them (that we will win),” said Guiao. “It’s either I’d look stupid or a genius and I thought it helped us also.”
Import Jamelle Cornley led the way with 20 points and 14 rebounds but it was a total team effort.
“This is a very special group. We have a zero experience in the championship and they’ll get better,” added Guiao, who chalked up his sixth title as a coach.
“It was a dream they had nurtured for six years and it came to fruition and it was through a lot of effort, planning, the big hearts and the determination of a young bunch of guys,” said Guiao, who chalked up his sixth title.
Jeff Chan, who bagged the Finals MVP award, added 14 of his 16 points in the first half.
Guiao revealed that part of the game plan was to really focus on rebounding and attack Marqus Blakely.
And it proved to be just right with Blakely fouling out early with still 8:30 left.
“I don’t think it was the turning points but it was a big factor because when Blakely was still there I think we were leading. It was just an added bonus,” said Guiao.
ROS was up 74-67 when Blakely picked up his sixth foul.
The Llamados though, managed to stay within reach with James Yap carrying them through.
Yap made a hanging one-hander look easy before a Rafi Reavis basket down low pulled B-Meg to within three, 73-76, with still 5:25 left.
Cornley took advantage of a slower defender as he hit a hook before Ryan Arana found Beau Belga for the short stab that extended ROS’ lead back to six, 80-74.
B-Meg still had time but couldn’t convert as it missed easy shots that would’ve trimmed the deficit.
Gabe Norwood chipped in with 15 points and five rebounds.
Chan averaged 12 points and three rebounds in the Finals.
Yap had a game-high 23 points while Blakely finished with 15 points and 16 rebounds.