RAIN or Shine went on a late run to defeat Blackwater, 120-106, on Wednesday in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Elasto Painters broke a 102-102 tie with an 18-4 finishing kick to improve to 3-2 (win-loss) while welcoming back fit-again Beau Belga and Caelan Tiongson.
Keith Datu had a career-high 27 points while Adrian Nocum added 23 as the Elasto Painters dealt the Bossing their fourth loss in five games despite the return of Sedrick Barefield and Christian David from injuries.
Rain or Shine had to deal with a hot-shooting Blackwater that made 18 shots from beyond the three-point arc including four four-pointers - the third best in franchise history, according to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon.
“We were playing at our pace. I felt that we were able to weather the storm. ‘Yung shooting nila (Blackwater), masyadong maganda. They were making their threes. They were making their fours. On iso [isolation], they were making their shots,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
“Sabi ko lang, we were playing the pace that we wanted. Maybe in the fourth quarter, we would be able to get a break. True enough, we played better defense in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter.
"Nalagpasan namin ‘yung torrid shooting percentage nila. Patience, keeping the pace quick, working hard off the boards so that we can get our transition,” said Guiao.
Datu set the tone for Rain or Shine by scoring 12 points in the first quarter, as he played his best game since coming back from a calf injury. Nocum finished the job by contributing 19 in the final period.
Tiongson added 14 points including six in the final period on his 33rd birthday.
David had 28 points, while Barefield had 23 points for the Bossing. The two combined for a perfect 3-of-3 from fours to keep Blackwater within striking distance as it led, 68-60, at the half, and tied with Rain or Shine, 91-91, at the end of the third quarter.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 120 – Datu 27, Nocum 23, Tiongson 14, Mamuyac 11, Caracut 11, Clarito 10, Santillan 10, Lemetti 8, Norwood 3, Asistio 3, Belga 0.
Blackwater 106 – David 28, Barefield 23, Ilagan 16, Ayonayon 9, Casio 8, Guinto 6, Andrade 5, Escoto 5, Mallillin 4, Chua 2, Tratter 0.
Quarters: 37-33; 60-68; 91-91; 120-106.
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