Yeng Guiao got his first win back as Rain or Shine head coach at the expense of a new-look Barangay Ginebra, 93-71, in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Wednesday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Elasto Painters exploded for 30 big points in the second quarter while limiting the crowd darlings to just a lowly five, setting the tone for a one-sided affair en route to bouncing back after losing to NLEX last week.
“Feels good, actually,” said Guiao. “Magandang bawi mula sa talo namin sa NLEX. Malaking isda ‘tong nahuli namin. Mahirap mahuli ‘yung Ginebra sa ganitong sitwasyon — one of their rare bad nights.”
Steve Taylor Jr. led the way with 21 points, including 16 in the first quarter alone, on top of 10 rebounds and five assists in the triumph that saw Rain or Shine catch fire from beyond the arc by drilling a total of 17 three-pointers.
Leonard Santillan made 15 points in the win. Mike Nieto had 10 points, three of which pushed their lead to 32, 87-55, with 4:17 remaining in the game.
All but two of the 13 players fielded by Guiao contributed at least two points in the victory that hiked their record to 1-1 in the standings.
“Progress is fast and I hope this is for real,” said the seven-time champion mentor as he continues to polish the team he inherited since returning to the ball club after ending a six-year partnership with the Road Warriors.
The Elasto Painters spoiled the debut of Jamie Malonzo and Von Pessumal, who both landed at Ginebra via three-team trade prior to the conference.
If it’s any consolation, though, the 6-foot-6 Malonzo proved his worth with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, together with eight rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a game-high three blocks in the 36 minutes he was utilized.
Justin Brownlee led the Kings with 20 points and 16 rebounds in their worst loss since absorbing a 119-92 rout versus TNT in the last Governors’ Cup.
Both squads will return to action on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, with Rain or Shine opening the twin bill at 4:30 against the 0-2 Terrafirma as Ginebra battles rival Meralco at the 6:45 p.m. main event.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 93 – Taylor Jr. 21, Santillan 15, Nieto 10, Asistio 9, Caracut 9, Torres 8, Belga 5, Nambatac 5, Ponferrada 4, Ildefonso 3, Norwood 2, Borboran 2, Ponferrada 1, Guinto 0, Clarito 0.
Ginebra 71 – Brownlee 20, Malonzo 14, Pinto 9, Standhardinger 9, J.Aguilar 8, Pringle 8, Tenorio 2, Thompson 1, Dillinger 0, Pessumal 0, Mariano 0.
Quarterscores: 25-23, 55-28, 72-49, 93-71
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
