Rain or Shine suffers loss against Chinese Taipei Blue in Jones Cup campaign opener

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, the country's representative to the Jones Cup in Taiwan, suffered a 98-79 loss against Chinese Taipei Blue in their campaign opener on Saturday.

Chinese Taipei relied on a strong start as it outscored Rain or Shine, 40-23, at the end of the first frame. The Taiwanese squad went on another rampage in the third period as it limited the Elasto Painters to just 12 points against their 25-point output to end the said period at 82-49. 

Rain or Shine tried to inch closer in the fourth period as they limited Chinese Taipei to just 16 points against their 30-point effort, but failed to do so.

Andrei Caracut posted 18 points, while Ange Kouame registered 15 points and 16 rebounds in the loss. Nick Evans had 14 points and 12 boards while Rey Nambatac had 11 markers.

The Elasto Painters will next face Chinese Taipei White on Sunday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News