Tough E-Painters defense halts Aces

MANILA, Philippines - Governors Cup titlist Rain or Shine stopped Alaska Milk’s hot run with a resolute defense coupled by Jeff Chan’s and JR Quinahan’s clutch hits as the Elasto Painters topped the Aces, 101-93, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Elasto Painters stayed in the game through defense in the first three quarters before unleashing their offensive might, pummeling the Aces, 30-16, in the payoff period to notch their sixth win in eight games.

Chan and Quinahan presided over Rain or Shine’s fourth-quarter onslaught, allowing the team to overcome 10-point deficits and hand Alaska its first loss in its last six games.

“Alaska is the hottest team and their streak had to end somewhere. The low of averages probably worked for us in this game,” said RoS coach Yeng Guiao.

“But we had to grind it out. It was only in the late stage of fourth quarter when we’re able to break away,” Guiao added. “We just put a lot of pressure on them defensively and they probably got tired.”

Alaska coach Luigi Trillo admitted they were beaten by RoS’s defense.

“We struggled offensively because they played excellent defense,” said Trillo. “Our identity is defense and we chickened out.”

Chan and Quinahan exploded for 22 and 20 points, respectively, with the former scattering 12 markers, including 10 straight, in the fourth period. Chan and Quinahan also finished with seven rebounds each.

Ryan Arana and Larry Rodriguez backed them up with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

On the other end of the court, the E-Painters worked together to hold down Alaska’s key players particularly Jvee Casio, Cyrus Baguio and rookie Calvin Abueva.

Abueva, who averaged 15.3 points and 10.5 rebounds in his first four games in the pros, was held to just seven points, failing to slash through the Elasto Painters’ hard-nosed defense. He also had six rebounds.

Guiao, however, insisted they didn’t focus their defense on Abueva.

“We know Abueva had not lost a game since he played in the league. But we didn’t want to get distracted by his performance,”said Guiao.

Jayvee Casio led Alaska with 16 points but had a series of turnovers in the fourth. Baguio also wound up with 16 markers.