E-Painters off to winning start

MANILA, Philippines — Using a well-distributed assault led by balik-import Aaron Fuller, Rain or Shine showed Blackwater who’s boss.

Fuller banged in 24 points on the strength of an efficient 9-of-11 clip and hauled down 19 rebounds to power ROS to a 110-97 romp in yesterday’s PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Coach Yeng Guiao’s youth-laden brigade complemented Fuller’s strong performance with rookie Caelan Tiongson shooting 15, Leonard Santillan rifling in 12, all from the three-point territory, another neophyte Felix Lemetti adding 11 and Gian Mamuyac chipping in 10.

“Our focus was to be able to play our game – fast-paced game – and we wanted the guys to feel good about taking the shots when they’re open and moving the ball, and having 29 assists and we did that,” said Guiao after their impressive opening victory in Group B.

Fuller, who’s on his fifth PBA tour, outplayed his Bossing counterpart, Ricky Ledo who coughed up 12 in a woeful 4-of-23 clip.

Later, TNT kicked off its title-retention drive with a 101-95 verdict over NorthPort.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson turned in 32 markers, 10 boards, five assists, four steals and four blocks to lead the Tropang Giga to 1-0 in Group A despite injuries to key players led by RR Pogoy.