Rain or Shine opens bid with a bang

Games today:

Cuneta Astrodome

5:30 p.m.- Meralco vs. Petron

7:45 p.m.- Barangay Ginebra vs. Powerade

IMPORT REID Arizona made a good account of himself in his debut, lifting the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a 95-82 win over the Derby Ace Llamados at the start of the 2011 PBA Governor’s Cup at the Tacloban City Convention Center.

Arizona erupted for 36 points that went along with his 17 rebounds as the Painters dominated the last three quarters to start their campaign in the season-ending conference on a high note.

In contrast, the Llamados failed to get any contribution from import Stefhon Hannah, who just managed eight points.

Hannah was held scoreless in the first half and didn’t get his first points until the 6:23 mark of the third period.

Hannah didn’t score again until he nailed a mid-range jumper in the final 8:36 and the Painters safely ahead, 76-65.

James Yap led the Llamados with 17 points, Peter June Simon and new recruit Joe Devance added 14 each, while Gerwin Gaco had 10.

BOX SCORES

RAIN OR SHINE (95)- Reid 36, Chan 11, Norwood 10, Rodriguez 10, Belga 7, Buenafe 6, Aranña 6, Vanlandingham 4, Jazul 3, Kramer 2, Ibanñes 0.

DERBY ACE (82)- J. Yap 17, Simon 14, Devance 14, Gaco 10, Hannah 8, Allado 8, Pingris 5, Villanueva 3, Escobal 3, Fernandez 0./EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA