RAIN or Shine went on a decisive run in the final quarter to outclass reigning champion San Miguel, 107-93, on Tuesday in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner's Cup at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Elasto Painters went on a 12-0 run midway through the fourth quarter behind a barrage of baskets in the transition, turning a tight contest into a breezy finish to their second straight win after an opening loss.
Rain or Shine dealt San Miguel a second frustrating defeat, just a few days after it squandered a 19-point deficit in a loss to NLEX.
The Elasto Painters turned their jets on, with Adrian Nocum leading their fastbreak opportunities that opened an 88-78 spread in the final stretch.
“I keep pushing the boys that our only chance against San Miguel is to play fast,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “Kapag nakipag-half court game ka sa kanila, wala kang chance manalo.
"The only chance for us to win is to play at the pace where they may not be comfortable.”
Rain or Shine's running game led to 37 fourth-quarter points.
ROS import Deon Thompson finished with 18 points for Rain or Shine,while nursing with five fouls as he also drew the task of guarding San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo.
But it was Nocum who keyed that late breakaway, contributing 15 points, four rebounds, five assists, and four steals in the Elasto Painters victory.
Caelan Tiongson added 14 points, while Felix Lemetti and Keith Datu had 12 points apiece. Jhonard Clarito had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Elasto Painters, who led by as many as 16 in the endgame.
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June Mar Fajardo had 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Juami Tiongson had 16 points for the Beermen, who last tasted the lead at 78-76.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 107 – Thompson 18, Nocum 15, Tiongson 14, Lemetti 12, Datu 12, Clarito 10, Santillan 9, Caracut 8, Asistio 4, Norwood 3, Ildefonso 2, Belga 0, Demusis 0.
San Miguel 93 – Fajardo 20, Tiongson 16, Miller 12, Tautuaa 10, Perez 9, Cruz 7, Trollano 7, Teng 5, Ross 3, Lassiter 3, Cahilig 1.
Quarters: 19-25; 47-42; 70-72; 107-93.
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