PBA: New-look ROS downs sluggish Kia

MANILA, Aug. 13 — A retooled Rain Or Shine team showed up at the Mall of Asia Arena and turned back Kia, 94-86, in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday night.

The Elasto Painters started the game blazing, taking an early 8-2 lead.

The Picanto, however, went on an 11-0 run to go up, 13-8, later in the first quarter.

ROS took over from there and eventually opened a 76-59 lead early in the fourth period.

Kia still fought back, drawing to within five, 82-87, but ROS maintained its poise in the end game.

J’Nathan Bullock did not have a good first outing for the E-Painters, only making 7-of-23 shots and committing seven errors, but he still led them with 20 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks.

Fellow new signing Ed Daquioag, however, had an impressive debut, making all of his three field goals and his two free throws for eight markers with two rebounds without a turnover in 10-and-a-half minutes of play.

Another new E-Painter, Mark Borboran, had a good account of himself, making 2-of-3 shots for five markers with five caroms, one assist, and one block in 23-and-a-half minutes.

Chris Tiu was the top player among the holdovers, finishing with 13 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and one steal off the bench.

Markeith Cummings finally got a great outing following two so-so stat lines, tallying 30 points, seven boards, two assists, one block, and two steals, but it still was not enough to give the Picanto the elusive first win in the season-ending conference.

Box Scores:

Rain Or Shine 94 — Bullock 20, Tiu 13, Belga 12, Daquioag 8, Ponferada 7, Trollano 6, Maiquez 6, Yap 5, Borboran 5, King 5, Cruz 4, Ahanmisi 3

Kia 86 — Cummings 30, Celda 15, Revilla 11, Corpuz 10, Deutchman 10, Nimes 3, Khobuntin 3, Yee 2, Ballesteros 2, Paniamogan 0, Galanza 0, Caperal 0, Jaime 0

Quarterscores: 21-17, 44-36, 71-59, 94-86