BUCKETS came in trickles for Rain or Shine in its first four games, but the Elasto Painters’ shots finally fell in abundance–and more importantly they notched a breakthrough win–against the Phoenix Fuel Masters yesterday.
Propped up by vicious second half attack it sustained the rest of the way, Rain or Shine clobbered Phoenix 100-85 to gain a lease on life in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Refusing to lie down and die, the Fuel Masters last threatened at 83-92 on a Jayjay Alejandro three-pointer with 4:23 to go that left Painters veteran big man Beau Belga punching the air in a display of frustration.
But that only proved short-lived as Belga and Jhonard Clarito combined in an 8-0 counter run capped by a Clarito fastbreak layup that gave Rain or Shine its biggest lead at 100-83 in the last 2:14
Coach Yeng Guiao heaved a big sigh of relief when his charges got the job done after a 0-4 start, counting a 97-109 loss to the San Miguel Beermen last Friday, in the season-ending tourney.
“We shot a little better with our free throw shooting and siguro they played better defense pagdating ng fourth quarter. In our previous losses, we lost really close games except against San Miguel Beer but before that we just couldn’t close out games,” Guiao said.
“Hirap kami kapag nagmimintis kami sa free throws and we could not also get our desired percentages sa three-point shots namin.
“Ang dami naming three-point shots na open pero hindi pumapasok. For a while, I was worried na maulit iyong nangyari last conference where we started 0-5,” he added.
Phoenix, which came off a 94-78 whipping of Terrafirma five nights back, fell to 1-3.
Foremost among those who typified Rain or Shine’s desire to see light at the end of the tunnel was rookie Adrian Nocum, who scattered a game-high 28 points, to go with seven rebounds, and six assists.
Belga provided ample help with a double-double of 21 markers and 11 boards for the Painters, while Clarito had 19 points and five rebounds.
Rain or Shine took a 47-41 lead at the halfway point and stretched this to 78-66 going into the final stanza.
Ricci Rivero paced the Fuel Masters with 16 points, four caroms, and four dimes, while RJ Jazul added 11 markers and three rebounds.
Kenneth Tuffin and Raffy Verano also got 10 points each for Phoenix.
