ERSTWHILE struggling Rain or Shine Elasto Painters return to Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup action today, battling the Columbian Dyip with the hopes of extending their resurgence that has seen them win back-to-back games.
Opened their campaign in the season-ending PBA tournament with four straight defeats, undermanned Rain or Shine (2-4) has seemingly found its groove and adjusted and is now eyeing to continue rolling in their 4:30 p.m. clash with winless Columbian (0-9) at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
The Elasto Painters, still playing sans big man Raymond Almazan due to personal reasons, won their second straight game on Wednesday, Oct. 17, beating the NorthPort Batang Pier, 120-98.
Rain or Shine was all over Northport in said game, building a 35-19 lead in the opening quarter and never looked back the rest of the way.
Chris Tiu had a career-high 23 points on a high 75% shooting in the victory with import Terrence Watson adding 21 points.
Beau Belga had 21 points as well while James Yap had 20 of his own.
“It was another good game for us. Everybody found their shot and was hitting it from anywhere. Hopefully we get to sustain it in our coming games,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia after their win.
Columbian (0-9), for its part, continues to struggle and is still finding its first victory in the tournament to avert being shut out.
The Dyip bowed to the Alaska Aces, 104-94, in their last game on Wednesday that had import Akeem Import finishing with a near-triple double of 19 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists.
Meanwhile in the main game at 7 p.m., league-leading Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok take on the Meralco Bolts.
Magnolia (7-1) has won five in a row while Meralco (2-6) halted a six-game losing streak last time around. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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