Painters, Jewels duel for solo lead

One win streak will be snapped as Rain or Shine and Montana Pawnshop clash today in a duel of unbeaten teams even as TeleTech tries to stay on line against Toyota-Otis at resumption of the PBL Unity Cup at the FEU gym.

The Elasto Painters slammed the Hapee-PCU Teeth Sparklers, 66-48, while the Jewels humbled the Magnolia Spinners, 68-60, over the weekend to notch their third straight wins and set up an early clash of the fancied teams at 2 p.m.

Expect the Painters to lean on the likes of big men Jun Jun Cabatu, Marvin Ortiguerra, Jay-R Reyes and Samigue Eman as they go up against Montana’s talented frontcourt crew composed of Al Magpayo, Ken Bono, Alwyn Espiritu and rookie sensation Larry Rodriguez.

"It’s going to be a fierce battle inside," said Rain or Shine coach Leo Austria, out to hand the Wellbest-owned franchise its seventh title before moving to the PBA this September.

"Rain or Shine is a big team. Our big guys must work harder inside if we want to win this game," Montana mentor Nel Parado said.

Rain or Shine dominated Hapee-PCU the last time out as Cabatu, Ortiguerra, Reyes and Eman scored, rebounded and blocked shots almost at will to post that runaway victory.

But for sure, they will have their hands full against the Jewels.

While Espiritu and Bono are expected to use their heft in defending the lane, Magpayo and Rodriguez will take care of the team’s offense.

After a pair of disappointing games, Magpayo finally connected and fired 22 points while Rodriguez, a lanky 6-foot-4 top rookie draft pick from Philippine Maritime Institute, had a career-high 13 points.

Froilan Baguion is a doubtful starter for Montana after spraining his ankle in his team’s last game while Alex Compton is playing with a strain in his calves.

Meanwhile, the Titans hope to come up with a follow up to their big 78-69 win over the Granny Goose Snack Masters last Sunday, their first in three starts as they take on the Toyota Sparks at 4 p.m.