NLEX Road Warriors rookie Xyrus Torres came up big, but the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters still ended up with the win in their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup quarterfinal match on Wednesday, June 19.
It appears the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters brings out the best in NLEX Road Warriors rookie Xyrus Torres.
On Wednesday night, June 19, Torres torched Rain or Shine with 14 big points in a 36-22 third quarter assault to turn a catch-up game into a nip-and-tuck contest.
The Elasto Painters, though, still ran away with a 92-89 win behind a 20-20 game from Jhonard Clarito.
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But Rain or Shine couldn’t help but wonder why Torres’ sterling game this season always came against them.
“Hindi ko alam ano meron sya samin kung galit sya o may ano — para kaming nakukulam pag sya kalaban namin," the fiery mentor said in jest, drawing laughter from the members of the media at the PhilSports Arena’s press room.
In their elimination round meeting, the former Far Eastern University gunner put up a near-perfect game.
He fired career-high 28 points on 11-of-12 shooting from the field and the Road Warriors beat Rain or Shine, 109-95 for their first win.
That’s why Guiao couldn’t help but heap praise on the young Road Warrior.
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“Meron talaga syang tira. Kaya lang pagkalaban kami sobrang ganda ng tira niya,” he said of Torres.
But Guiao and the Elasto Painters are not done worrying about Torres as the two teams meet again in the do-or-die game on Saturday, June 21 for the right to face the winner between Magnolia and TNT in the semifinals.