Rain or Shine enters the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup with momentum on its side after ending its preseason preparations on a high note.
The Elasto Painters put together an explosive offensive performance on Tuesday, overwhelming the undermanned Macau Giant Pandas, 139-98, in their final tune-up game at Acropolis Gym in Quezon City.
The victory allowed Rain or Shine to split its two preseason outings after falling to Converge in its first exhibition game last week, giving head coach Yeng Guiao a more encouraging glimpse of where his squad stands just days before the conference opens.
One of the bright spots was Caelan Tiongson, who knocked down a pair of three-pointers during a decisive run that helped Rain or Shine quickly create separation and maintain control for the rest of the contest.
While the scoreline was convincing, Guiao believes the preseason results are less important than helping the team regain its rhythm after a lengthy break and integrating returning import Aaron Fuller back into the system.
“Isa [na talo] sa Converge, natalo kami pero okay naman. I think it’s part of the adjustment period after a long break and getting used to our import Aaron. Converge played a really good game against us.
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Sa Macau, mukhang hindi pa sila kumpleto at mukhang hindi pa sila nakakapag-practice ng husto. They just got together. But at least, it’s a good way to get out of our regular practice routine and play games,” said Guiao.
The veteran coach acknowledged that Macau was far from full strength, but he still welcomed the opportunity to face a different opponent before the start of the new conference, using the game as another step in fine-tuning his team’s chemistry.
Despite missing several players, the Giant Pandas still featured notable contributors led by import De’Vondre Perry, Damian Chong Qui, Ramon Cao, and Kobey Lam.
Macau head coach Marcus Elliot said the squad remains a work in progress, with the organization still awaiting the arrival and signing of additional players before its official campaign begins.
Rain or Shine, meanwhile, now shifts its focus to the games that matter. The Elasto Painters open their Governors’ Cup campaign on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, hoping the encouraging finish to their preseason translates into a strong start in the season-ending conference.
The Giant Pandas won’t have to wait long for another test either, as the guest team opens its own Governors’ Cup schedule against NLEX on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
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