PBA: Rain or Shine stuns Ginebra for surprise 2-0 start

Rain or Shine proved its season-opening win was no fluke, stunning a new-look Barangay Ginebra squad in a 73-64 victory to remain undefeated early in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Saturday in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

The Elasto Painters, who were coming off a 110-97 triumph over Blackwater last Tuesday, also spoiled the PBA return of Justin Brownlee to improve to 2-0 in Group B while the Gin Kings fell to 0-1.

Rookie Felix Lemetti once again showed he belongs in the league, first by sinking three of his four free throws after drawing a foul against Scottie Thompson late in the fourth to bring Rain or Shine to a 65-64 lead.

Season 48 Most Improved Player Jhonard Clarito then completed a layup before Gian Mamuyac trooped to the line and buried two charities of his own as Rain or Shine built a pivotal 69-64 cushion.

ROS import Aaron Fuller drew another foul from Thompson, splitting his freebies before a turnover from Japeth Aguilar resulted in another ball possession for the wards of Yeng Guiao.

Lemetti then nailed the dagger, knocking down a massive three-pointer against the defense of Brownlee to bring Rain or Shine to a 73-64 spread with 1:07 left to play.

The Gin Kings would not convert any basket from that point on.

The loss spoiled the Ginebra debut of several stars in rookie RJ Abarrientos as well as former Terrafirma Dyip Isaac Go and Stephen Holt as well as the homecoming of Brownlee, who returned to Ginebra duty following his suspension due to a failed doping test after the Asian Games.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News