Painters switch off B-Boys for 2nd win

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine showed enough composure in the fourth quarter to turn back a stubborn Meralco side, 101-92, for a second straight win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

NBA veteran Hassan Adams poured in eight of his team high 23 points in the fourth quarter while Ronjay Buenafe scored seven of his 15 in the same period to lead the Elasto Painters to a successful follow-up on their 95-94 decision over the B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados Wednesday.

“We’re developing some character. We’re able to finish strong and I think that’s really what we need for a young team like ours,” said Rain or Shine coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao.

Meralco import Anthony Danridge led all scorers with 31 points, including thunderous slams to highlight his 19-point explosion in the first half.

The Elasto Painters, however, neutralized Danridge in the second half. The Meralco import was denied easy shots and bled for points from the line (11-of-20).

“Once we stopped Danridge from dunking the ball, we’re able to play defense on the halfcourt,” said Guiao.

The B-Boys, who also dropped their opening day assignment to the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 98-115, in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, fell to their second straight loss and into the bottom of the standings alongside the Llamados.

It was the Elasto Painters’ first 2-0 start in an import-flavored conference and second overall in franchise history after accomplishing the same feat in the 2008 all-Filipino conference.

Guiao, who is on his fifth team, posted his third 2-0 start as a coach after steering Pepsi and Burger King to the same early surge in 1994 and 2009, respectively.

And Guiao had his bench to thank for.

“There were some guys who really made the difference, Ronjay (Buenafe), Ryan (Arana) and TY (Tang),” said Guiao.

Guiao’s shock-troopers outscored the Bolts’ bench, 54-21, with Buenafe, Arana and Tang combining for 29 points aside from hustle plays in crucial stretches of the second half.

Doug Kramer, for his part, typified the toughness Guiao wanted in his players when he played on after losing two front teeth on Gabby Espinas’ wayward elbow. The burly forward finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists.

LA Tenorio nailed a three-pointer then stole off Nate Brumfield in the closing seconds as Alaska Milk survived Barangay Ginebra’s second-half charge, pulling off a 95-94 win in the nightcap.