Painters end a four-game losing streak with a new import.

You need to take the shot even though it is risky because you never know it will change your life forever or loose everything, who know right?

Rain or Shine has finally linked up with import Greg Smith II, seven years after they needed someone to help turn their campaign around.

Smith passed his first test with flying colors last night, leading the Elasto Painters to a hard-fought 122-117 victory over the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Governors' Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Smith finished with 38 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Leonard Santillan added 16 points and seven rebounds.

Shaun Ildefonso, Nick Demusis, and Rey Nambatac each added 12 points for the Painters, who improved to 1-4 after snapping a four-game losing streak, including a 108-116 loss to defending champion Ginebra eight days ago.

Blackwater suffered its fourth straight loss, including a 106-119 loss to Terrafirma four days ago, and fell to 1-5 in the season-ending tournament.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao lauded Smith for making an immediate impact in his debut for the team.

“I have to be honest. I was kinda worried because he came from a long flight and hasn’t been really competing the last few months. So, I know he’s not in 100 percent shape, but I guess he just proved me wrong today and played his heart out,” Guiao said. “I wasn’t really expecting him to score heavily tonight. . . just try to help out the team in different ways but that’s really a big bonus for us.

Rain or Shine trailed 66-67 at halftime and 87-95 entering the final period.

However, the Painters went on a 19-5 run to start the fourth quarter, capped by a Demusis triple that gave them a 106-100 lead with 7:12 remaining.

With only 1:02 remaining, a Baser Amer three-pointer pulled the Bossing to within 112-117, but it was too little, too late.
Troy Williams led the way for Blackwater with 40 points, 13 caroms, and six feeds, while James Sena chipped in with 15 markers.