December 05, 2017

RoS rallies from 15-point deficit to beat NLEX

Rain or Shine overcame a 15-point deficit before building its own double-digit lead to beat NLEX, 96-89, Tuesday for its second win in their preseason pocket tournament at the Upper Deck Sports Center in Ortigas.

The Elasto Painters fell behind 28-13 at the start of the second quarter but were able to make a quick turn and take a 51-40 halftime lead. From there, coach Caloy Garcia's crew broke the game wide open by scoring 38 points in the third to remain unbeaten in the three-day series.

Don Trollano scored 20 points, Maverick Ahanmisi had 16 points, four rebounds and three assists and Chris Tiu and Ed Daquioag added 11 points apiece for Rain or Shine, which played minus Raymond Almazan, Jericho Cruz and James Yap for various reasons.

A three by Daquioag gave Rain or Shine its biggest lead at 13 points, 92-79, with 8:38 left in the fourth.

Rabeh Al-Hussaini finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds and rookie Kiefer Ravena fired 14 points spiked by four triples after engaging with an intriguing faceoff with fellow Ateneo alumnus Tiu.

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Veteran center Asi Taulava, who evidently lost a ton of weight in the offseason, contributed 12 points, three rebounds and four assists for the Road Warriors.

NLEX fell to an even 1-1 record after opening the preseason series with a 106-100 win over Alaska.

Rain or Shine plays Alaska and NLEX meets Phoenix on Wednesday in the conclusion of the pocket tournament. (JT)