PBA: Leonard Santillan stepping up big for Rain or Shine
Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Leonard Santillan during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine finally broke through in the win column of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday behind the efforts of veteran forward Leonard Santillan.
After faltering to Meralco in their conference-opener, the Elasto Painters tallied their first win at the expense of guest team Eastern, 99-81.
Article continues after this advertisementRain or Shine zoomed to the finish line thanks to a red-hot start by the Elasto Painters headlined by Santillan.
READ: PBA: Rain or Shine ends Hong Kong Eastern’s unbeaten streak
“We had a good showing and we also showed our good chemistry. It’s also important that our three-pointers went in,” said Santillan in Filipino.
Article continues after this advertisement“Coach (Yeng Guiao) told us that our defense is crucial. We were also wary of their offensive rebounds because if they got more [than us], we’ll be fined,” he added in jest.
The Elasto Painters made a living from the three-point area, sinking 10 buckets that ultimately fueled Rain or Shine to a 1-1 record.
Three of those triples came by way of Santillan, who finished with an all-around game of 18 points, five rebounds and a steal for a cherry on top.
READ: PBA: Last-minute snafu shelves import, but last-second Leonard Santillan basket saves Rain or Shine
Guiao, himself, acknowledged the squad’s blistering shooting and said it was exactly what was needed to be done against a sweet-shooting team like Hong Kong’s Eastern.
Fight fire with fire, as the clichè goes.
“That was our first concern, we needed to drop down their three-point shooting and we did. Sometimes, there are good games and sometimes there are bad games,” said Guiao, pertaining to the Eastern squad, which dropped to a 2-1 card.
“Our three-point shooting also went in today. It’s easier to win when we’re shooting our triples. It’s hard when we’re missing threes,” the veteran tactician added.
Up next for the Elasto Painters is San Miguel Beer on Tuesday at San Juan Arena.
