ROS finally solves SMB puzzle
Finally, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters solved the mystery on how to defeat the mighty San Miguel Beermen as they scored a 122-112 victory on Thursday night and gained a solo lead in Group B of the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Now having a 7-2 record, ROS relied heavily on import Aaron Fuller and Beau Belga to solve the puzzle by limiting June Mar Fajardo's efficiency.
"Sa tagal ng panahon, na-tsambahan din namin (For the longest time, we are lucky to win it)," said Guiao as they somehow neutralized Fajardo and ended an 11-game losing streak against SMB.
The league's eight-time MVP was limited to 14 points and 12 rebounds, just enough for the Elasto Painters to secure the win.
"Masyadong mabigat ang San Miguel, at mabigat na panalo ang nakuha na rin (San Miguel is a heavy opponent and this win is huge for us). At may chance kami ngayon mag No. 1 (Now we have a chance to be No. 1). If we finish that job (versus Blackwater), siguro it's a better place in the quarters, better matchup for us," Guiao also said.
If ROS wins their next game against Blackwater at the last day of the eliminations on Monday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, they will secure the top seeding in Group which they already occupied as of now.
A three-way tie ensues if Rain or Shine drops that match while San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra win their respective final assignments. In such a case, the Beermen would salvage pole position.
Andrei Caracut top-scored the Elasto Painter with 20 points, while Fuller delivered 17 points and 11 rebounds, Belga logged in a season-best 16 markers that was matched by Adrian Nocum as Gian Mamuyac and Gabe Norwood chipped in 12 and 10, respectively.
CJ Perez scored a game-high 27 points even as he fouled out with over four minutes left to play, with San Miguel trailing 104-116.
SMB's final game will also be against the Bossing on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 122 - Caracut 20, fuller 17, Belga 16, Nocum 16, Mamuyac 12, Norwood 10, Lemetti 8, Clarito 7, Santillan 6, Ildefonso 5, Tiongson 3, Asistio 2.
SAN MIGUEL 112 - Perez 27, Romeo 24, Adams 24, Fajardo 14, Trollano 6, Cruz 5, Manuel 4, Lassiter 3, Ross 3, Teng 2.
QUARTERS : 33-32, 61-59, 97-88, 122-112.
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