Rain or Shine's Daquioag named PBA week's best player

MANILA, Philippines – Sweet-shooting guard Ed Daquioag captured the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the week after playing a major role in Rain or Shine’s 2-0 series lead over Magnolia in their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series.

The standout from the University of Santo Tomas averaged 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the first two games of the series.

Known as a 3-point threat since his college days, Daquioag provided the offensive for the second seed ROS off the bench in Game One, finishing with 10 points, three boards, an assist and a 3-pointer to help his team to an 84-77 win.

He scored four points late in the third quarter when the Elasto Painters began asserting themselves following a poor first-half shooting.

The 6-foot-1 Daquioag added another two-point basket in the fourth quarter, joining hands with veterans Beau Belga and Gabe Norwood in disposing of the Pambansang Manok to take the opening game of the best-of-seven semifinals.

In Game Two, Daquioag justified his starting role, firing 19 points and lacing it with three triples, part of ROS’ fiery 16 three-pointers in Rain or Shine’s dominant 93-80 win over Magnolia.

Rain or Shine eyes a commanding 3-0 series lead against Magnolia on Tuesday.

Daquioag came into the pro league via Meralco, which selected him in the special draft.

But his stay with the Bolts was short-lived after being traded to the Elasto Painters in exchange for rookie batchmate Mike Tolomia. The 27-year-old Ilokano guard has since found a home with Rain or Shine.

Daquioag beat teammate Norwood, along with San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo, Alex Cabagnot and Christian Standhardinger for the weekly citation for the period of April 9-14.