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Rain or Shine starts season strong, overpowers Castro-less TNT

Photo c/o PBA Media
By Patrick Sutare

QUEZON CITY--It was a fine way to begin the post-Yeng Guiao era for Rain or Shine.

Despite the departure of the prized coach, the Elasto Painters remained sharp and appeared to maintain the team’s winning tradition as they rolled past TNT, 101-87, in their opening PBA Philippine Cup game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

ROS took full advantage of Jayson Castro missing out in action for TNT, leading the game for most of the way with six players finishing in double figures.

Jericho Cruz was at forefront of the Elasto Painters’ balanced offensive attack, firing 18 points in an efficient 7 of 13 shooting clip, while Raymond Almazan notched a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Filling in the gap left by erstwhile ROS star player Paul Lee was rookie Mike Tolomia, who contributed 11 points and cracked down four boards for the win.

Ranidel de Ocampo came out with an all-around effort of 24 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals for TNT, who struggled in its first game under a new system following the exit of former coach Jong Uichico.

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

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