Ross blossoms, gives Tigers insurance win

MANILA, Philippines - Coca-Cola put in another worthy showing in a follow-up to its 118-107 win over league-leader San Miguel Beer Wednesday, blasting Rain or Shine, 105-83, to further enhance its bid for the KFC PBA Philippine Cup playoffs at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Rookie Fil-Am guard Chris Ross had his finest game in the pros with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists while Asi Taulava came through with another steady performance with 14 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, leading the resurgent Tigers to a fourth win in their last five outings.

Nailing a fifth win in 17 games overall, the Tigers assured themselves of a playoff crack at a wildcard round berth.

Coca-Cola clinches outright entry in the post-elims play if it wins its last game versus Barako Bull Wednesday.

Rain or Shine, meanwhile, slid to 4-13, now only half-game ahead of tail-ender Barako Bull at 3-13.

“Basically, it’s a game that can go both ways. I challenged the guys ‘why complicate matters?’ I urged them to beat Rain or Shine rather than wait for Barako to win,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

“I have to give credit to coach Alex (Compton). He gave us good opinions on what’s the best to do against Rain or Shine,” Perasol also said of his new assistant coach who used to sit on the Rain or Shine bench as assistant to Caloy Garcia.

Perasol also lauded Gary David who made a decent debut with the Tigers, helping the team get back at the Elasto Painters.

Rain or Shine played well and beat Coca-Cola, 92-84, in their first meeting, but struggled in the rematch.

JayR Reyes, the team’s starting center, stayed on a slump, finishing with a fat zero.

Taulava terribly outclassed Reyes and Mark Telan while Ross held his own against Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado as they made the big difference in the contest.

Mark Macapagal, RJ Rizada and David provided big support as the Tigers started strong and finished even stronger for the emphatic victory.

Macapagal contributed 17 points and four rebounds, Rizada chipped in 13 points while David added 12 points, six rebounds and two assists.

“At first, I was worried on whether Gary would be comfortable with his new teammates. He showed skills that he can share the ball with the old guys in our team,” said Perasol.