Painters awaken, thump Gin Kings

MANILA, Philippines -- Following a “wake-up call” first two games, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have come to their senses.

Rain or Shine tallied two straight wins in the PBA Governors’ Cup after blasting Barangay Ginebra, 110-99, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Elasto Painters started the import-laden conference with two straight losses but had back-to-back impressive wins against the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Gin Kings. 

After the game, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said he emphasized to the team that Sunday’s game is a must-win. 

“Yung sinasabi ko sa team na ano e, if we want to get back in contention or at least give ourselves to make top four in our group, we must win this game. Get us back sa race. Look forward to improving,” he told reporters. 

“Disappointing yung first two losses namin but I think it's a wake-up call. After that, we've been playing better defense at saka better rebounding,” he added. 

Aaron Fuller carried the offense with 37 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Caelan Tiongson added 21 markers and five boards, while Jhonard Clarito and Adrian Nocum had 13 points apiece. 

Rain or Shine started to pull away from the Gin Kings in the third quarter, leading by as much as 18, 91-73, early in the fourth. 

Ginebra, however, halved the deficit, 92-101, with 5:18 remaining after a triple by Ralph Cu. 

But huge shots by Clarito and Fuller kept the Elasto Painters’ distance from the Gin Kings as Rain or Shine breezed to the finish line. 

“Hindi ako worried about offense. I think we scored 100 points, more than 100 points every game. So it’s really just… we're playing good defense, rebounding, When we get our rebounds we're able to run. Itong mga bata nag-focus sila sa bagay na kailangan namin gawin kaya siguro nakabawi kami. Two wins after two losses,” Guiao said. 

Riley Brigsby powered Ginebra with 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block. RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario had 13 markers each for the losing team, which dropped to 1-2.