The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters got a hard-fought win in Game 1. Can the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots respond?
Catch the game this Friday, September 27th, at 5:00 PM.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Projected starting five:
- Anton Asistio
- Caelan Tiongson
- Adrian Nocum
- Aaron Fuller
- Santi Santillan
Game 1 ended at 109-105 in a win for ROS despite shooting an abysmal 5-of-28 from beyond the arc (three and four) and committing 18 turnovers. A win is a win, but Coach Yeng Guiao and his boys must know to clean those up for the next game.
The seemingly automatic ‘20-20’ guy, import Aaron Fuller, posted yet another such line with game-highs 24 points and 20 rebounds. Look for him to continue muscling his way. He looked unfazed with Magnolia’s size.
Jhonard Clarito will once again be a local to watch out for as he had a surging performance for the nth time this conference, delivering 20 points and five rebounds in the series opener. Other locals should have some confidence too, namely Adrian Nocum, Caelan Tiongson, Santi Santillan, Andrei Caracut, and Gian Mamuyac, as each had their moments. Felix Lemetti was quiet in Game 1 (5 pts, 0/4 FGs, 14 mins), but let’s see if he can bounce back.
Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots
Projected starting five:
- Paul Lee
- Joseph Eriobu
- Jabari Bird
- Rome Dela Rosa
- Zavier Lucero
The Hotshots hung around in Game 1 and actually looked good all things considered. In the end, though, it’s hard to overcome all the struggles. Import Rayvonte Rice was at the forefront as he finished 6-of-20. As such, Magnolia will be moving on into its fourth import of the conference as Rice will be replaced by Jabari Bird.
Bird is a journeyman in the international scene and former second-round pick by the Boston Celtics. He’s 6’6, can attack inside and out, and would be an interesting matchup vs. Rain or Shine’s big boys.
Paul Lee had a double-double of 15 points and 13 assists, which is nice, except he didn’t have much help. Mark Barroca had six dimes and three steals, but should look to be more efficient as he was only 5-of-16. Jerrick Ahanmisi, meanwhile, had 15 quiet points, and didn’t do much else.
Though serviceable, big men Zavier Lucero and Ian Sangalang must be more assertive and work better in controlling Fuller, especially in the boards.
PICKS:
Spread: ROS (-4.5)
Over/Under: Over (212.5)
