NLEX star Robert Bolick (with the ball) breaks through the Rain or Shine defense. However, his all-around performance went in vain against a determined Painters Crew in overtime. -PBA Images
Coach Yeng Guiao wanted Rain or Shine to earn six wins and advance to the Governors Cup playoffs. That’s exactly what they got and more on Tuesday night.
With a plethora of heroics, the Elasto Painters defeated NLEX, 123-114, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila to secure an overtime win that would prove useful during the crossover knockout stage.
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“It’s a good test. It’s a good experience. We have to learn how to win close games,” Guiao said shortly after the win that put his team into the quarterfinals.
All but one player of the Elasto Painters scored as they got back on the winning track with a 6-2 win-loss and got rid of the bad experience of last Friday’s loss to Barangay Ginebra.
“What we tried to do was to hang in there. I said [the players] It has to be kept close because despite the talent of their imported players and the support of the locals, there will come a time when they get tired and maybe miss a few shots. That will be an opportunity for us to score runs – which is exactly what happened.”
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Springboard Victory
Adrian Nocum scored seven of Rain or Shine’s 13 points in the extra period, continuing the stellar performances from Aaron Fuller, who scored 23 points and 25 rebounds, and Anton Asistio, who scored 25 points in the opening period.
Nocum scored 11 points and finished with Jonard Clarito and Felix Lametti and Callan Tiongson scoring in double figures.
It looked like NLEX was finally going to end its three-game losing streak, thanks to freshman Daequan Jones’ 49 points and 11 rebounds and Robert Bolick’s triple-double of 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. But their stellar shooting deserted them when it mattered most, dropping the Road Warriors’ record to 3-5.
Guiao has always taken games for granted, and Tuesday’s win was no exception. The champion coach feels this is a test of character for his players as they advance to the best-of-five quarterfinals that begin next week.
The passionate mentor believes this is the springboard the team needs to again clash with San Miguel – a team they nearly defeated in their last encounter.
“We will see if we can still play for the No. 1 spot in our group. We will keep trying,” Guiao said. “We will have a chance against San Miguel on Thursday.”
The San Miguel team defeated Barangay Ginebra by 49 points.
“This is a playoff game. We have lost five in a row against San Miguel since the last conference. And we haven’t been able to solve June Mar Fajardo and his imports,” he said.
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“It might take us 16 tries to do it. But I know that time will come,” he said, laughing. “We’ll see on Thursday.” INQ
