Rain or Shine blasts NLEX, moves to 2-3

MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Painters earned a much-needed win by taking down the NLEX Road Warriors, 121-94, on Friday, March 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Thanks to an offensive explosion and stout defense, Rain or Shine managed to snap a 3-game losing streak and improve to 2-3 in the Commissioner’s Cup, while dropping the Road Warriors to their second straight loss and the same record.

“We finally got our rhythm back. [I] hope it’s not too late. [I] hope we can be consistent with it,” Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said post game.

The Elasto Painters shot 48% from the field, including 13-of-35 from downtown.

Import Antoine Wright had a near triple-double with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, while JR Quinahan and Maverick Ahanmisi combined for 22 points as starters.

Rain or Shine had 4 guys score in double figures off the bench led by the 15 of Jewel Ponferada. Raymond Almazan had 14 points, while Jericho Cruz and Jeff Chan posted 12 apiece.

NLEX was led by the 19 points and 12 rebounds of Al Thornton. Sean Anthony had 17 points.

As a team, the Road Warriors shot only 43% from the floor and 6-of-25 from deep.

Rain or Shine raced off to an 7-point lead after one quarter and extended its advantage to 15 by the half thanks to a defensive effort that limited NLEX to only 43 points after two quarters.

The Road Warriors played their opponents even in the third, but a 36-point fourth period by Rain or Shine allowed them to cruise to the easy win.

Guiao also said post-game that Paul Lee, the team’s star guard, may return to action a week from today.

The onus on the team’s import, however, is still out there.

“He’s improving every game. He’s exercising leadership. He [was] instrumental in limiting the scoring of Al Thornton,” said the head coach.

“We have to make an evaluation whether we’ll keep him or get another import.”

Scores:

Rain or Shine (121): Wright 20, Ponferada 15, Almazan 14, Chan 12, Cruz 12, Quinahan 12, Ahanmisi 10, Teng 9, Norwood 8, Belga 3, Tiu 3, Matias 2, Trollano 1, Ibanes 0, Nimes 0

NLEX (94): Thornton 19, Anthony 17, Taulava 14, Reyes 12, Villanueva J. 10, Enciso 7, Lanete 7, Alas 4, Cardona 2, Khobuntin 2, Arboleda 0, Villanueva E. 0, Rios 0

Quarter scores: 29-22, 58-43, 85-70, 121-94 – Rappler.com