Rain or Shine missed the services of Caelan Tiongson. But with the likes of Keith Datu stepping up, they were able to hack out a win against Blackwater.
Caelan Tiongson did not see action in Rain or Shine’s 110-100 win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Friday, Oct. 24.
Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao later explained that Tiongson is reeling from a hamstring injury.
“We couldn’t play Caelan. Caelan has a slight hamstring issue,” said Guiao after the match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
[WATCH: LIVESTREAM: TNT vs Titan Ultra | PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup]
But without Tiongson, a bevy of Elasto Painters stepped up, including big man Keith Datu.
Datu turned in 20 big points to lead RoS' early onslaught that saw them build a 19-point lead in the first half.
Then, when the Bossing threatened to turn the tide in the final frame, it was Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito who delivered the finishing kick for the team’s second win in three games.
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But Guiao is optimistic Tiongson will be ready for Rain or Shine’s match against Titan Ultra Sunday, Oct. 26.
Match unfurls at 5:15 p.m. at the same venue.
“But we will see. Maybe in the next game, baka kaya niyang maglaro,” Guiao said.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.