Santi Santillan took it upon himself to deliver for the Caelan Tiongson-less Rain or Shine in its match against Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Still without injured Caelan Tiongson, Santi Santillan made a conscious effort to step up in his stead for Rain or Shine.
Santillan accounted for 16 of the team’s 31-16 outburst in the fourth period to fuel the Elasto Painters' 106-91 win over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Friday night, Oct. 31.
[WATCH: PBA LIVESTREAM: Terrafirma Dyip vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters | Philippine Cup]
RoS thus rolled to a rolled to a third straight win, rejoining TNT and NLEX on top with their similar 4-1 records.
“Nakatsamba lang siguro,” said Santillan, who emerged as back-to-back Player of the Game behind his 26 points, seven rebounds and two steals.
Going beyond duty
Santillan knows that he needs to do more than usual to fill the void left by Tiongson, who is nursing a hamstring injury.
“Kasi kaunti na lang ang bigs, eh. Ako na lang at saka si Gabe (Norwood), minsan, si Keith (Datu). Kailangang mag-step up talaga para sa amin,” Santillan said.
Keith Datu turned in 11 points and six rebounds, Felix Lemetti submitted 11 markers and six assists, while Jhonard Clarito added 11 points, six boards, five dimes and four steals for RoS.
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The Elasto Painters were actually in control in the first 24 minutes of action, where they led by as many as 17 points, 66-49.
But just when the Elasto Painters thought it would be a quick kill, the Dyip gained some steam in the third period and unleashed an explosive 18-0 run for a 73-70 lead.
Jerrick Ahanmisi was at the center of that uprising, turning in 11 of his 25 points there.
But Rain or Shine restored order behind Santillan, who fired 4-for-5 from the three-point area in the fourth period.
Rain or Shine vs Terrafirma Scores:
Rain or Shine 106 – Santillan 26, Datu 12, Lemetti 11, Clarito 11, Nocum 10, Norwood 9, Asistio 8, Malonzo 8, Belga 5, Caracut 4, Mamuyac 4, Ildefonso 0, Porter 0
Terrafirma 91 – Ahanmisi 25, Hernandez 20, Bravo 17, Paraiso 9, Sangalang 8, Rivero 5, Zaldivar 4, Hanapi 2, Catapusan 1, Olivario 0, Mariano 0, Garcia 0
Quarterscores: 26-25, 54-39, 75-75, 106-91
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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.