All-Pinoy ROS wins thriller  

MANILA, Philippines — No import, no problem for Rain or Shine as its All-Filipino crew took care of business against Terrafirma, 120-118, on Leonard Santillan’s game winner in the PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Santillan saw himself wide open inside the paint for the go-ahead basket off a pass from double-teamed Rey Nambatac in the waning seconds as the Elasto Painters capped a thrilling escape act for their second straight win.

The former La Salle stalwart finished with 21 points and six rebounds, making up for a costly turnover earlier that led to Terrafirma’s game-tying bucket, with guard Andrei Caracut firing a career-high 25 points on six triples.

Gabe Norwood (18), Nambatac (14) and Anton Asistio (10) chipped in much-needed help for ROS, which improved to 2-4 even without import Greg Smith II.

Smith was forced to sit it out sans a letter of clearance from the basketball federation of the Dominican Republic, where he last suited up, though he already played in ROS’ last match.

Coach Yeng Guiao said Smith managed to play and finished with 38 points in their 122-117 win versus Blackwater last week as FIBA and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) allowed time to settle the requirement.

This time, ROS had to march into the battle pit alone. And the Elasto Painters delivered.

“We have to make up for the lost numbers of Greg and everyone made an effort. Everyone did not give up. Ito dehado kami pero walang nasiraan ng loob,” said Guiao.

“Naghanda kami with Greg. He’s involved in our game plan and he’s really familiar with (Terrafirma’s) Jordan Williams (with their time in the Dominican Republic). But we feel good with our locals in running our system and putting effort on defense. The guys were determined to win even without Greg.”

Later, Antonio Hester collared 37-15 while Jio Jalalon uncorked a near 17-9-10 triple-double as Magnolia rolled to its third straight win at the expense of NLEX (4-2), 119-103.

The Road Warriors fell to their second consecutive loss at 4-2.118, still 17 ticks remaining – paving the way for Santillan’s game-winner off a masterful play from Guiao.

Williams had 30 but missed the go-ahead trey in the last 0.7 seconds while Juan Miguel Tiongson uncorked 23 before fouling out for Terrafirma, which slid to 2-4 for a tie with ROS at ninth place.