E-Painters Showcase Grit To Secure Victory Over Reinforced Tropang Giga

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters outlasted formidable TNT Tropang Giga, 106-100, in a thrilling PBA on Tour match-up at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig Wednesday, July 12.

Despite the Tropang Giga bolstering their lineup with the return of Glenn Khobuntin and the activation of 3×3 players Almond Vosotros, Lervin Flores, Ping Exciminiano, and Gryann Mendoza, it was the young guns of ROS who shone in the crucial moments. 

Anton Asistio, Gian Mamuyac, and Santi Santillan stepped up when it mattered most, rescuing their team from a tight situation.

With the additional firepower, TNT displayed resilience and put up a spirited fight. However, the Elasto Painters weathered the storm and secured the victory thanks to clutch shots from Asistio, Mamuyac, and Santillan. The win marked Rain or Shine’s sixth victory in the preseason series presented by Arena Plus and sponsored by Bingo Plus, while TNT suffered their seventh consecutive defeat.

Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guaio said they need such games as that one played against TNT as they want to put themselves in different situations where they need to learn to win in the endgame.

“This is a good mental preparation for the close games,” he said.

TNT’s key players, including Jayson Castro, Mikee Williams, RR Pogoy, Kelly Williams, and Poy Erram, were again absent, contributing to their ongoing winless streak.

TNT appeared poised to end their losing streak as they held a five-point lead at 94-89 in the game’s final stretch. However, the Elasto Painters refused to back down, mounting a comeback and proving themselves as one of the top teams in the preseason series, second only to the Magnolia Hotshots.

Trailing by four points with under two minutes left on the clock, Asistio delivered back-to-back baskets to tie the game. Mamuyac then sank two crucial free throws to give ROS the lead, and Santillan sealed the victory with a timely three-pointer.

Mamuyac led the Elasto Painters’ scoring with 21 points and 10 rebounds, recording an impressive double-double. Asistio contributed 16 points, while Santillan finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Jewel Ponferrada made a triumphant return from injury, adding 13 points and three rebounds, while Jhonard Clarito chipped in with 10 points and seven boards.

Khobuntin stood out for TNT, scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds. Jaydee Tungcab continued his strong performance with 16 points, and Kib Montalbo and Carl Bryan Cruz contributed 12 points each. Vosotros, fresh from his 3×3 play, provided valuable support for TNT with 11 points, three assists, and one rebound.

Ultimately, the Elasto Painters’ determination and resilience prevailed, securing a well-deserved victory against a formidable opponent.

The boxscores:

Rain or Shine 106 – Mamuyac 21, Asistio 16, Santillan 13, Ponferrada 12, Clarito 10, Borboran 8, Ildefonso 8, Belga 8, Caracut 7, Demusis 3, Belo 0.

TNT 100 – Khobuntin 24, Tungcab 16, Montalbo 12, Cruz 12, Vosotros 11, Exciminiano 6, Marcelo 6, Cuntapay 4, Flores 4, Mendoza 4, Jopia 2, Alfaro 0.

Quarters: 24-26, 52-46, 74-76, 106-100