KEITH Datu finally made his presence felt for Rain or Shine in its 107-86 rout of TNT Sunday night in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The sophomore big man came through with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds in the Game 3 win that saw the Elasto Painters finally breaking through in the best-of-seven series.
Datu averaged a measly 1.0 point and 1.5 rebounds in an average of six minutes of play in the first two games of the semis, which Rain or Shine both lost.
Coach Yeng Guiao said he and the coaching staff had a talk with the 6-foot-7 Datu on the eve of Game 3.
"We told him he can play better. We know he can make better contributions and he showed it today," said the Rain or Shine mentor.
"He played longer minutes, he got his share of rebounds, and played with a lot of hustle."
Sponsored content:
The no. 4 overall pick in Season 48 draft indeed, suited up for 25 minutes, shot 5-of-13 from the field including two triples, while adding two assists and a block shot.
His inside presence also somehow helped Rain or Shine to match up with TNT's frontcourt as Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser was held to just two points and three rebounds this time, while Poy Erram had four points and four boards.
"Ang tingin ko baka kailangan niya lang ng kaunting motivation," said Guiao of Datu.(RG)
