Welcoat smothers ailing Ana in opener

Welcoat Paints pounded a hurting Ana Water Dispenser and hacked out a 65-55 rout in Game One of their best-of-five showdown for the second Yakult PBL Challenge crown at the Makati Coliseum last night.

Jojo Manalo and Renren Ritualo sizzled on offense while the rest of the Paintmasters helped in an efficient defense the team put up in dominating the Water Dispensers.

The Paintmasters took charge from start to finish, pouncing on the Water Dispensers who struggled with ace scorer Paolo Mendoza hurting with a sprained left ankle.

Mendoza, the tournament's leading MVP contender, played for only 22 minutes, going 0-of-10 from the field.

Despite their easy win in the series opener, Welcoat coach Junel Baculi isn't yet considering Ana a goner.