RP team toys with Great White Sharks

MANILA, Philippines - The Powerade RP Team put up a decent showing in its first public appearance, whipping the Hoopdreamz Great White Sharks, 87-63, in the first game of the Motolite RP-Australia goodwill series at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Nationals made a big run after shaking off a sluggish start, and there was no stopping the team in pulling off the convincing win over the tall but plodding Australian squad.

Gabe Norwood, Kerby Raymundo and Ryan Reyes provided instant offense coming off the bench, combining for an 18-to-nothing run in a six-minute stretch bridging the first two quarters to open an early 19-point lead for the RP team at 33-14.

And it was all-RP show from there.

The Nationals took the half at 43-24 and kept comfortable leads all the way to the finish, running away with the P75,000 cash pot put up by event sponsor Phoenix Petroleum.

Jared Dillinger scored on a two-handed breakaway jam off his own steal as the Nationals got their biggest spread at 85-57 with two minutes left to play.

“I’m a little surprised we got this game a little easy as I expected a close game. But it’s a good tune-up nonetheless. I’m sure they will be able to make the adjustments and play better Sunday,” said RP team coach Yeng Guiao.

“As for our team, though still rough around the edges, we showed a good sign. This is our first tune-up but we showed we’re adjusting to the ruggedness and physicality (of international games) and to the calls of the (FIBA) refs,” Guiao also said.

After the game, PBA officials were talking about possibly reinforcing the Australian team in tomorrow’s game with imports currently playing in the PBA Fiesta Conference.

Raymundo, who had thought of backing out of the team but was prevailed upon to stay, went 4-of-5 from the field and 4-of-4 from the stripe to pace the Nationals with 13 points.

The Nationals played a balanced offensive game and outperformed the Aussies on practically all fronts of the game, including rebounding though being smaller.

Curiously, seven-foot Samoan behemoth Patrick Piliae was the only player from the Australian team to get a single rebound.

Asi Taulava had a rugged match-up with Piliae, winning the battle with six rebounds, four points and one assist.

“This is just an exhibition game, and the big games are coming. We have to keep on working. The main thing is to keep running the system and hopefully keep on improving,” said Taulava.

In the curtain-raiser, Marco Cam made 17 points and 18 rebounds with three of his teammates contributing at least 17 points each as the San Sebastian Staglets topped the Ateneo Eaglets, 93-88.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra has decided to send home import Rod Nealy with coach Jong Uichico saying they are looking at five names as his possible replacement.

“We’ll make the choice before the Holy Week,” said Uichico.