PBA: Rain or Shine cruises past Blackwater behind Aaron Fuller

MANILA, Philippines–Rain or Shine kept it together until the final horn on Tuesday night for a 110-97 victory at the expense of Blackwater in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

The ElastoPainters pulled away in the third period for a comfortable cushion that came in handy when the Bossing tried to mount a comeback in their Group B clash at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Import Aaron Fuller had 24 points and 19 rebounds, while four more locals—led by rookie Caelan Tiongson— chipped in double-digit scores in the win.

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“Our focus was just really to be able to play our game. Fast-paced game, and we wanted the guys to feel good about taking their shots when they’re open,” head coach Yeng Guiao said.

“I’m very happy with the way we shared the ball and I’m also happy with the performance of our rookies. Caelan played well, Felix (Lemetti) played well, and for the short time Luis (Villegas) played, he also did well.”

Rain or Shine selected Tiongson, an international veteran, 7th overall followed by Lemetti at No. 8 in the last Rookie Draft. Villegas sat out the last season due to an injury and had four points and a steal in his first game in the PBA.

Blackwater also had a bevy of contributors in the contest with No. 2 pick Sedrick Barefield putting up 18 points in his debut. James Kwekuteye added 17 more, while Bradwyn Guinto and Troy Rosario tossed in twin-digit scores to go with import Ricky Ledo’s 12.

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But the Bossing trailed by as many as 21 points, which proved too big of a deficit to be fixed despite a spirited effort in the fourth.

Rain or Shine will try to annex a second-straight win against Justin Brownlee and the rejigged Barangay Ginebra this Saturday in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

Blackwater, meanwhile, hopes to dodge an early 0-2 hole when it tackles NLEX this Thursday at the Big Dome.