RAIN OR SHINE BEATS SMART GILAS-RP TEAM

Reyes, Fiesta import Clark leads Elasto Painters in close exhibition win

Sunday, 08 February 2009

Jay-R Reyes’ hook shot in the lane broke a tied game and Sol Mercado came away with a key defensive stop as Rain or Shine subdued a tough Smart Gilas-Philippine Team, 84-81, Sunday night in an exhibition match at the Araneta Coliseum. Even with import Charles Clark in the roster, the Elasto Painters were push to the limit by their young rivals and needed a great effort in the fourth quarter to claim the victory. Their three years of experience in the pro league spelled the difference in the game that had been dominated by the Nationals for most part and which was only decided in the closing seconds. Just when Rain or Shine appeared to have the game well under control, big man Rabeh-Ahmed Al-Hussaini knocked in a rare 3-point shot with 53 seconds remaining to tie the game at 79-79 and gave the RP Team a fair chance of winning. But Reyes quickly dismissed the Nationals' threat, scoring on a tough hook shot in traffic 11 seconds later. Mercado, the third pick in last year’s PBA Draft who was acquired from Alaska prior to the season, then blocked a driving JV Casio on the Nationals' next possession and wingman Jireh Ibanez scored on the transition to make it 81-79, sealing the victory with 28 seconds left. On his second tour of duty for Rain or Shine, Clark scored 20 points on a 10-of-16 shooting from the floor and Reyes added 14. Solomon and Mark Isip had 11 points apiece and Gabe Norwood, the leading Rookie of the Year bet, contributed 10 points and eight boards for the Elasto Painters, who outrebounded the Nationals, 54-46, and gained a 23-10 advantage on turnover points. Assistant coach Alex Compton called the shots for the Elasto Painters as head coach Caloy Garcia was still on vacation. Dylan Ababou poured in 19 points, Al-Hussaini added 18 and Mac Baracael and Casio had 15 apiece for the Nationals, who appeared comfortable playing under pro rules. On Wednesday the Smart Gilas-RP Team of coach Rajko Totoroman held Burger King to a 95-95 draw, thanks in part to Mark Barroca’s 37 points. Exhibiting tenacious defense, hustle and great passing ability, the Nationals, who played minus Barroca this time, kept the game close and threatened to rip the game open in the third quarter when Rey Guevarra's basket gave the RP Team a 56-46 lead with 6:20 to go in the period. (DBC) The scores: Rain or Shine 84 - Clark 20, Reyes 14, Mercado 11, Isip 11, Norwood 10, Wainwright 8, Ibanes 4, Laure 2, Salangsang 2, Andaya 2, Tang 0, Ejercito 0, Arana 0. Smart Gilas-RP 81 - Ababou 19, Al-Hussaini 18, Baracael 15, Casio 15, Jazul 6, Guevarra 5, Buenafe 3, Ballesteros 0, Slaughter 0, Tiu 0. Quarterscores: 22-19, 38-44, 59-62, 84-81.