Painters snap four-game skid with new import and Guiao believes all is not lost in playoff push if team puts heart into it

Rain or Shine can now plan their mission to try to enter the race for the quarterfinals after finally getting their first victory in the PBA Governors Cup on Sunday.

“We have to re-commit in these last six games [of the eliminations]”Guiao said after the Elasto Painters carved out a 122-117 victory over Blackwater Bossing at the Mall of Asia Arena with the new import Greg Smith II.

“There are still opportunities. As long as we can make the playoffs, as long as you’re there and can play, maybe something can happen,” Guiao added as Rain or Shine endured an 0-4 start that the veteran mentor said could have been avoided.

Guiao’s charges opened the conference final season with losses to Meralco, TNT, Converge and Barangay Ginebra—teams at the top of the standings and pre-tournament rankings.

Two of those games – against TNT and Ginebra – managed to win but Rain or Shine couldn’t find the last shot.

The setback caused the management of Elasto Painters to send Michael Qualls high score and bring in Smith, who more than six years ago should strengthen the same team.

Smith failed to make the height limit at the 2016 Governors Cup, but got the nod this time after the league increased the cap by inches from 6-foot-5.

“He said being 0-4, I want to do my best to try and help the team win as much as possible,” said Smith, who finished with 38 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Local people lock

Guiao gave credit to Smith because Rain or Shine is hoping in the new addition to better connect with locals, which the team is looking for when Qualls is there.

Against Blackwater, the local Guiao came and put up the numbers with Santi Santillan registering 16 points and seven rebounds, energy man Nick Demusis put up a career-high 12 points with five rebounds and block his presence in defense.

“We all know that the imports here should generate these numbers,” Guiao said. “But I also told him (Smith) that it would be easier to win games if the people were involved.

“Our locals can score, we know they can contribute to the offense, so we’re going to come in. I think it’s a good start.

Rain or Shine also got off a 40-point performance from Blackwater import Troy Williams, but will face another scorer in Jordan Williams when Terrafirma awaits Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Blackwater suffered another loss despite leading by 10 and eight late in the third quarter, eventually falling to 1-5 with its fourth straight loss. INQ

Read Next

For suggestions, complaints, or questions, please contact us.