THE challenge now for Rain or Shine is to translate its gains in the off-season to actual games.
Raring to do an encore to their semifinal finish in the last PBA Philippine Cup, the Elasto Painters ruled the 39th Kadayawan Invitational basketball tournament two nights back, a big boost to their preparations for the season-opening Governors’ Cup.
With import Aaron Fuller and locals Andrei Caracut, Gian Mamuyac, and Keith Datu showing the way, the charges of coach Yeng Guiao completed a 4-0 sweep of the tilt.
Rain or Shine ripped defending UAAP champion La Salle 138-116 in the title match before a big crowd at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium in Davao City to cap its solid stint in the meet that also featured Converge and Phoenix.
Fuller totaled 34 points and 11 rebounds while Caracut added 21 markers, eight three boards, and eight assists.
Mamuyac had 17 while Datu went 3-of-4 from deep for 17 points as Rain or Shine bagged the P200,000 prize money.
Caracut was also named the finals MVP of the event held every year to celebrate the Kadayawan festival.
The Painters’ perfect run included an unscathed campaign in the single round robin eliminations.
Anton Assistio also finished with 14 points, while Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito had 10 each for Rain or Shine.
Reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao bucked an ankle sprain and paced La Salle with a double-double of 19 points and 16 caroms, while Mike Philips had 18 and 11.
The Archers wound up with an even 2-2 slate, including victories over Phoenix and Converge.
In the battle for third, the Fuel Masters nipped the FiberXers 87-81.
The Painters last Sunday also signed seventh pick overall Caelan Tiongson to a three-year deal.
Aside from the 6-foot-5 Tiongson, 32, Felix Lemetti, tabbed at No. 8, and second round pick Francis Escandor had also signed on the dotted line for Rain or Shine.
With a returning reinforcement who is familiar with Guiao’s hard-nosed system and no-nonsense style of coaching, and a young but promising core, expect the Painters to give the rest of the field a run for their money in the import-spiced tourney kicking off Aug. 18.
