Rain won’t go away
Almost halfway through the eliminations of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Rain or Shine remains the only unbeaten team after adding one of the perennial title favorites to its list of victims in front of a big crowd.
The Elasto Painters are now 5-0 in the season’s second conference after completing a 116-112 victory over the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“This is the progress that I’ve been talking about,” coach Yeng Guiao said after the victory, where his wards had to fight off the Beermen’s rally from 25 points down. “You progress in your maturity, you progress in your character, you progress in how you fight against adversity.”
Rain or Shine’s victory over San Miguel is the latest in the list of hard-fought results that show signs of how the league’s most competitive independent team may be on a serious title run.
Since the conference started, Rain or Shine has bucked the Bol Bol-led TNT and beaten Meralco despite the absence of import Jaylen Johnson, who was suspended for one game. Against San Miguel, it registered its best start in franchise history on the back of big performances from Adrian Nocum and Felix Lemetti.
“We played without an import, we played against Bol Bol, we led by 25 points and it almost disappeared against San Miguel,” Guiao said. “But we still end up winning and it’s good that the team goes through those challenges because it will test your character. So it’s a good sign for us.”
Another challenge awaits the Elasto Painters on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena as they aim to stay perfect on the backend of a back-to-back slate, facing the Converge FiberXers at 5:15 p.m.
While struggling at 1-4, the talent-laden FiberXers are hungry to atone for their series of setbacks and a win over the Elasto Painters may revive whatever fading optimism they nursed prior to the conference when they stockpiled a lot of talent.
“Matibay din ‘yung lineup na ‘yun (That’s a strong lineup, too),” said Nocum, who hurt the Beermen with 21 points, five rebounds and two assists. “As coach said, we just need to make adjustments and keep on working.”
Nocum entertained the audience, who took advantage of the league’s free admission to celebrate its 51st anniversary, not only with the way he glides through the air for layups, but also with his penchant for hitting timely shots that kept San Miguel in catch-up mode.
“It’s very tough playing against San Miguel, even if you’re up by a wide margin,” he said. “But credit goes to my teammates for not giving up.”
One of them was Lemetti with 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals in another stirring performance that proved his return to form after a hot start in his rookie campaign last season cooled off, partly due to injuries.
“I think going into this conference, I just wanted to be aggressive, I just wanted to get my confidence back and it starts with practice and now it’s translating into my game,” Lemetti said. “Still trying to get back to 100 percent with my confidence, but so far, so good.”
The 6-0 bid will also come on the night, Rain or Shine will pay tribute to franchise great Gabe Norwood by retiring his No. 5 jersey during halftime, making him the first player to be given the distinction by the Elasto Painters.
Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia renew their rivalry dubbed as “Manila Clasico” in the 7:30 p.m. nightcap, with the Gin Kings smarting from a loss to San Miguel while the Hotshots are coming off a convincing win over Terrafirma.
******
Get real-time news updates: inqnews.net/inqviber
