TOUGH TEST
Coach Tim Cone believes his Purefoods Star team will be up for its first acid test in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup when they go up against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a Petron Blaze Saturday Special in Dipolog City.
“Rain or Shine will be a tough test for us. Rain or Shine is always a tough test for everybody,” said Cone, expecting a battle at 5 p.m. at the Dipolog Sports Center.
Cone said Daniel Orton, impressive in his Purefoods debut against NLEX Wednesday, could have his baptism of fire against Rick Johnson.
Purefoods shoots for the solo lead at 5-0 while Rain or Shine guns for a third win in five games in a showdown between these two teams who were twice Finals protagonists last year.
The Hotshots are hot on a four-game run spiked by an 87-62 walloping of the Road Warriors – the most lopsided win in the mid-season tourney thus far.
Purefoods also made heads turn in its 83-70 conquest of GlobalPort, 108-88 rout of Alaska and 98-86 lashing of Blackwater.
Orton picked up from where Marqus Blakely left off as the Hotshots sustained their romp Wednesday against the Road Warriors.
The well-built import played the game expected of him by Cone, providing an imposing inside presence and showing the ability to spot open teammates as he helped the Hotshots regain a share of the lead with the Meralco Bolts at 4-0.
The former OKC Thunder and Washington Wizard piled up 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in his initial PBA outing even as he rested with a good five minutes left to play.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao anticipates the threats Orton could present them, saying Jackson has a job cut out for him.
The Elasto Painters squandered a 13-point spread at the onset of the fourth quarter as they reeled with an 87-92 loss to the Meralco Bolts the last time out.
Meralco import Josh Davis saved his best for last, outscoring the whole RoS team, 15-14, in the final canto. He tossed in 11 in a rip-roaring 23-4 run that had the Bolts wiping out a 13-point deficit and storming ahead at 85-80.
The E-Painters drew even at 87-all with 2:14 left, but never scored a single basket again to yield the game.
Curiously, Guiao stuck with Beau Belga, JR Quiñahan, TY Tang, Jireh Ibanes and Jonathan Uyloan, not making a timeout and substitution as the Bolts chipped away their 13-point deficit in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter.
Jackson checked back in only when the Bolts were back in the game at 75-78.
Even with Jackson’s return, the Bolts sustained their charge, eventually surging ahead, 80-78, on a three-pointer and a twinner by Cortez.
Jackson had piled up 18 points and 16 rebounds in the first three quarters before being rested. (SB)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
