Rain or Shine trips Star in PBA season opener

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters pulled away late in the fourth quarter to claim its first victory in the PBA’s 41st season over the Star Hotshots, 96-87, in the 2016 Philippine Cup on Wednesday, October 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

JR Quiñahan led the Painters with 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks, while sophomore shooting guard Jericho Cruz had 15 points, including 7 in the fourth. Big man Beau Belga also poured 8 of his 11 points in the payoff period.

For head coach Yeng Guiao, however, it was not exactly a happy victory.

“It’s actually an ugly win. We couldn’t get any rhythm in the first half on offense and defense,” said the fiery coach, who rued they found it hard to adjust to the new calls, rookies, and new acquisitions in the team. “We just tried to be patient, we just tried to be patient with our execution. The patience paid off.”

“There were plenty of adjustments. But it all resulted positively, fortunately for us. But in the first half I had some doubts especially without Paul (Lee),” he added. “But we were able to settle down, I guess that’s the key.”

The Painters found their rhythm in the payoff period and overturned a 12-point first half deficit. They pulled away from a precarious 80-79 advantage with under 6 minutes left to play with a 10-2 run capped off by a Gabe Norwood steal and ensuing breakaway jam for a 90-81 edge with 2:34 remaining.

The Painters also eked out the opening day victory despite the absence of star combo guard Paul Lee, who is out for about a month due to a slight tear in his lateral meniscus and a mild sprain in his anterior cruciate ligament – both in his left knee.

“It’s hard to lose Paul for a long time,” Guiao admitted. “It’s really a burden on the whole team. On the positive side we look at it as an opportunity for our rookies and our guards to step up.”

Guard Mark Barocca led 5 Hotshots in double figures with 15 pointst, 4 rebounds, two assists and a steal. Alex Mallari and James Yap had 15 points apiece, while comebacking Ian Sangalang tallied 13 markers and 9 boards in over 32 minutes of play.

Sangalang missed the entire 2015 season due to an ACL injury. (READ: Sangalang shocked but excited to reunite with Abueva at Gilas Pilipinas)

PJ Simon chipped in 11 points as Jason Webb lost his first game as new head coach of Star. – Rappler.com