Saturday, October 11, 2008 Rain or Shine survives Red Bull
MANILA - The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters saw their early 24-point lead nearly wiped out but kept their composure in the crucial stretch to escape with a 96-90 win over Red Bull yesterday in the 34th KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Gabe Norwood and Solomon Mercado came back on time and connected a triple each in the dying minutes to notch their second straight victory, their best start so far since joining the pro-league in 2006.
“My players took a big lead early but they were just like having some fun that’s why we ended up struggling. Thanks to our rookies in Gabe (Norwood) and Solomon (Mercado), who provided the big points down the stretch,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.
Pressure
The Elasto Masters sparked a big 51-27 lead with still 1:39 remaining in the second period, but the Barakos refused to buckle down to pressure and reduced the deficit to only three points thrice, the last was 84-87 on Celino Cruz three-pointer only 3:42 left in the match.
“That’s what I really like in this team now. We really work like just one family and strive harder together,” saidGarcia.
Six Elasto Painters, led by Ryan Arana, who finished with 15 points, scored in double digits. The others were rookie Tyronne Tang, Rob Wainright and Jay-Arr Reyes with 13 each. Norwood and Mercado had 11 each.
Celino Cruz topscored for the Barakos with 17 points, Cyrus Baguio settled with 15 and rookie Larry Rodriguez had 14. (FCC)
