MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine rebounded from a stunning defeat last week after keeping NLEX in the backseat for 34 minutes, 97-86, in Friday night’s PBA action at the Big Dome.
FINAL: @ROSEPainters def. @NLEXWorld, 97-86, to rebound from a stunning loss and send the Road Warriors to a downward spiral. #PBA2018 pic.twitter.com/y3c1VqLCno
— Denison Rey Dalupang (@sonrd) January 26, 2018
Behind Maverick Ahanmisi, and the leadership of Gabe Norwood and James Yap, the Painters wrested control early.
The Fil-Nigerian guard finished with 20 points while skipper Norwood and grizzled champion Yap chimed in 13 and 12, points, respectively.
"I wish we could’ve played like this last game, but ganoon talaga ang basketball,” head coach Caloy Garcia said, referring to the upset at the hands of Kia. “But today, I hoped that we could’ve become consistent.”
And the Painters indeed were consistent. They converted most of their shots from the charity stripe along with keeping their fangs on their foes for most of the game. They blow the game as wide open as 21 points.
"Basically we just had to play as a unit. We didn’t have to rely on one guy. Everybody just put in the effort (tonight),” Garcia added.
“I told them na I think nagkulang ako in motivating them. Sabi ko nga what’s the point of getting mad, what matters was we put in the effort,” closed Garcia, whose crew improved to 3-3.
Rain or Shine’s victory sends the slumping NLEX to their fourth straight loss. The Road Warriors, who have found second win late last season and enjoyed back-to-back wins since opening day, have not won an outing since the new year.
The Painters take on the Meralco Bolts February 2, while the Road Warriors bid to arrest their skid versus the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings the following day.
The Scores
RAIN OR SHINE 97 – Ahanmisi 20, Norwood 13, Yap 12, Tiu 11, Borboran 9, Daquioag 7, Maiquez 6, Nambatac 6, Belga 6, Cruz 3, Ponferada 2, Trollano 2.
NLEX 86 – Quinahan 22, Mallari 17, Ravena 14, Baguio 9, Tiongson 6, Alas 6, Gotladera 4, Fonacier 3, Uyloan 3, Soyud 2, Monfort 0, Rios 0, Taulava 0.
Quarters: 25-20; 53-38; 73-62; 97-86.