Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters seem to be doing just fine even without Yeng Guiao and lethal scorer Paul Lee.
Rain or Shine started off their PBA Philippine Cup campaign with a victory over the TNT KaTropa, 101-87, on Wednesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Jericho Cruz tallied 18 points for the Elasto Painters.
Rain or Shine led for most part of the match and maintained a comfortable distance against a struggling TNT squad — who was without Jayson Castro, who was on a break.
Rookie Mike Tolomia showed a glimpse of brilliance in his debut with 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists coming off the bench.
Six Elasto Painters scored in double figures for head coach Caloy Garcia.
Ranidel De Ocampo took up the cudgels for KaTropa with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
The scores:
Rain or Shine (101) – Cruz 18, Belga 14, Norwood 13, Almazan 13, Tolomia 11, Ahanmisi 10, Washington 9, Ponferada 6, Chan 5, Tiu 2, Matias 0, Trollano 0
TNT (87) – De Ocampo 24, Rosario 16, Pogoy 9, Fonacier 9, Rosser 8, Reyes 7, Williams 6, Tautuaa 4, Carey 2, Nuyles 2, Rosales 0, Seigle 0
Quarterscores: 20-12, 42-35, 66-57, 101-87.
