Painters target solo lead vs Tortillos

Rain or Shine tries to break away from a three-way tie for the lead with Toyota Otis and Montana as it takes on Granny Goose today at the resumption of the PBL Unity Cup at the San Andres gym in Malate.

Although the Elasto Painters, toting a 4-1 (win-loss) card, are heavily favored over the Tortillos in their 4 p.m. encounter, coach Leo Austria remains wary of the Snackmasters, saying they remain a threat and have what it takes to beat fancied teams like Rain or Shine.

Meanwhile, Harbour Centre and TeleTech, both carrying 1-4 win-loss records, part ways in the cellar as they clash at 2 p.m. with the Port Masters seeking a second straight win after pulling off a dramatic 84-81 overtime victory over Granny Goose Tortillos last Sunday.

Jojo Tangkay is again expected to lead Rain of Shine’s bid after the last conference’s MVP sizzled with 17 points and made a good account of himself in other departments in the team’s 71-65 victory over the Titans last week.

"I’m satisfied with what Tangkay showed the last time out, he was almost everywhere. It’s a sign of being a good player," said Austria who also expects another fine performance from Jay-R Reyes who posted his first double-double performance with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

But Granny Goose’s 6-foot-5 RJ Quinahan, Abby Santos and Alfie Grijaldo must play aggressively on both ends of the court to have a chance of beating the Elasto Painters who boast of an awesome frontcourt combination.

Aside from the 6-foot-7 Reyes, Rain or Shine also boasts of talents in Jun Jun Cabatu, Marvin Ortiguera, 6-foot-10 Samigue Eman and a number of role players who are all capable of coming up with big games on a given night.