Casio explodes, tows Gilas to 5-0 start in Commissioner's Cup

Small gunner JV Casio sneaked in just when everyone of Rain or Shine chose to gang up on big man Marcus Douthit.

The 5-foot-9 playmaker exploded for a team-high 29 points and sparked the game-changing run in Pilipinas-Smart Gilas' 99-94 win over Rain or Shine on Friday night at the Astrodome. Their fifth straight win kept the national team hopefuls on top of the PBA Commissioner's Cup. With the Elasto Painters clamping down on the 6-foot-11 Douthit, Casio broke loose in the second half, especially in the third period when he made eight of his total output. Overall, Gilas outscored the Elasto Painters in that quarter, 27-17. The 12-minute stretch was highlighted by Gilas' telling 10-0 run that broke a tight 60-60 contest, after which the Painters never recovered. The unbeaten Gilas can claim the first playoff berth if they beat B-MEG Derby Ace on March 23. Despite Rain or Shine's physical play, Douthit still got away with 23 points and 18 rebounds in yet another dominant performance inside the paint. "We expected this game to be close," said coach Rajko Toroman. "Rain or Shine is a respectable team. It was an aggressive game and it was a great win for us. We're getting better and better every game and I’m very satisfied." The loss was the second straight for the Elasto Painters (3-2), who began the tournament by winning their first three games. Rain or Shine actually led Gilas, 44-36, in the second quarter, but failed to sustain the momentum with import Hassan Adams' game missing. The only one among this year's batch of imports who has NBA credentials, Adams was held to only two points in the first half and finished with his lowest output of the conference at 14. Toroman admitted that Adams' non-presence was a big factor for the Elasto Painters. "Adams was not in the game. That was their (Painters) problem." Chris Tiu added 22 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, while Ryan Lutz added 10 for Smart Gilas. With Adams a non-factor on offense, Ronjay Buenafe came off the bench to lead the Elasto Painters with 16. Doug Kramer had 15 points and eight rebounds, Ryan Arana 14 and Beau Belga 10. - JVP, KY, GMA News