ROS draws lift from ‘Mamu”

MANILA, Philippines — Rookie Gian Mamuyac shone bright with 17 second-half points as Rain or Shine tripped skidding Terrafirma, 106-94, for back-to-back wins in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Returning to action after missing the team’s 93-71 ambush of Barangay Ginebra due to flu, delivered key baskets and free throws in the stretch that sparked the Elasto Painters to their breakaway.

At 2-1 overall, ROS grabbed a share of third with NorthPort behind unbeaten leader Bay Area Dragons (3-0) and second-running NLEX (2-0) and Magnolia (2-0).

On the other hand, the Dyip slid to 0-3 overall, stretching their losing streak to 19 games running.

ROS was only up by four, 68-64 before Mamuyac started and ended a 7-2 blast with triples to extend the lead to nine points going to the fourth.

The former Ateneo star then dropped 11 in the final 12 minutes where the Elasto Painters went up by as many as 18.

“Mamu gave us his points at a crucial time. Medyo dikit ang laban, hindi kami makalayo but nag-step up siya sa puntos,” said coach Yeng Guiao of Mamuyac.

The two-way guard provided a big lift at a time import Steve Taylor somehow struggled on offense. Taylor finished with 20 points and 22 rebounds.

“We tried to pick up from our last game (big win over the Gin Kings). That game really gave us a lot of confidence and trust in ourselves na kaya pala namin ang malalakas na team and that we can compete,” said Guiao.

The Elasto Painters stifled Terrafirma’s explosive import Lester Prosper to a “low” 20 after averaging 42 in his first two outings.