Santillan Shines As Rain Or Shine Prevails Over NorthPort In PBA On Tour

Rain or Shine showcased its resilience and determination as they bounced back from a tough loss, securing a wire-to-wire victory against NorthPort with a final score of 118-112 in the PBA On Tour. 

Leonard Santillan led the Elasto Painters’ balanced scoring with 20 points, highlighting their teammanship and improved shooting to redeem themselves after a defeat to Magnolia.

The Elasto Painters displayed remarkable improvement in their offensive performance, shooting an impressive 44-of-80 from the field, including 15-of-35 from beyond the arc. This significantly contrasts their previous game against Magnolia, where they struggled with a 32 percent shooting percentage. Rain or Shine’s remarkable shooting prowess paved the way for their well-deserved victory against NorthPort.

Anton Asistio, who contributed 17 points, emphasized the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and the lessons they learn from each game in the preseason series presented by Arena Plus and sponsored by Bingo Plus. Asistio’s accurate shooting from beyond the arc was vital in stretching the floor and creating offensive opportunities for the Elasto Painters.

Andrei Caracut, with 17 points and six assists, and Shaun Ildefonso, Gian Mamuyac, Beau Belga, and Jewel Ponferrada, each scoring at least 10 points, demonstrated the depth of Rain or Shine’s roster. Belga’s all-around performance included eight boards and seven assists, showcasing his versatility on the court.

Defensively, Rain or Shine executed effective schemes against NorthPort’s key players, Arvin Tolentino and Paul Zamar, limiting their scoring opportunities. The Elasto Painters’ tenacious defense enabled them to build a substantial 20-point lead and withstand NorthPort’s repeated attempts to mount a comeback.

NorthPort, led by JM Calma’s impressive 22 points and 16 rebounds and Arvin Tolentino’s 20 points, tried to narrow the gap, but Rain or Shine’s defensive discipline held firm. Zamar was limited to only eight points, and Joshua Munzon struggled with nine points on a 4-of-12 shooting performance.

However, Fran Yu’s 19 points played a crucial role in fueling NorthPort’s late rally. His partnership with Calma helped the Batang Pier trim the deficit to just six points at 106-112. Rain or Shine’s victory was secured by timely baskets from Belga, Mark Borboran, and Caracut in the closing moments, extinguishing NorthPort’s comeback hopes.

The win was especially commendable for Rain or Shine, considering the absence of head coach Yeng Guiao, who is currently on vacation abroad. Nevertheless, the team displayed excellent cohesion and adaptability under the guidance of stand-in chief deputy Mike Buendia.

Rain or Shine’s performance in the PBA On Tour has been remarkable, improving their overall record to 7-2, making them one of the top contenders in the preseason series. With their resilience, teamwork, and continued pursuit of excellence, the Elasto Painters are shaping to be a formidable force as they prepare for the upcoming PBA season.

As the PBA On Tour continues, fans can expect more thrilling games and extraordinary performances from Rain or Shine and the other competing teams, adding to the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming PBA season.