by Waylon Galvez

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters leaned on the good shooting night of veteran James Yap to defeat the NLEX Road Warriors, 96-87, in the second game of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City Friday night.

Yap finished with a game-high 20 points on 8 of 14 shooting that also included four three-pointers.

“Coach Caloy told me to be ready so I kept that in mind. I’m also excited, and whenever your coach tells you to be ready, you should be ready,” said Yap, adding that he has prepared himself by keeping himself in game shape for the season.

Their win against NLEX is a good sign that they are on the right track.

James Yap of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (PBA Images)

“It’s important momentum, first game we got the first win. Everybody’s tight, but we’re able to absorb the pressure. In my experience playing the first, you’re always tight, but we played as a team,” added Yap.

Rookie forward Javee Mocon also had a solid first game for the Elasto Painters with 13 points while Jewel Ponferada added 12. Maverick Ahanmisi and Norbert Torres each had 11 points coming off the bench.

Beau Belga also had a good all-around game, chipping in 9 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

NLEX got a team-high 19 points from JR Quinahan. New recruit JP Erram finished with 10 while returning Kevin Alas had 12 on 5-of-12 shooting from the field.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 96 – Yap 20, Mocon 13, Ponferada 12, Ahanmisi 11, Torres 11, Belga 9, Rosales 7, Daquioag 5, Nambatac 4, Norwood 4, Borboran 0, Maiquez 0, Alejandro 0.

NLEX 87 – Quianahan 19, Magat 13, Alas 12, Porter 10, Erram 10, Paniamogan 8, Ighalo 6, Fonacier 4, Soyud 3, Tallo 2, Galanza 0, Tiongson 0, Baguio 0.

Quarters: 17-21, 40-31, 72-57, 96-87.

Tags: James Yap , Jewel Ponferada , JP Erram , JR Quinahan , Maverick Ahanmisi , NLEX Road Warriors , PBA , Rain or Shine Elasto Painters