Rain or Shine stayed composed in the homestretch even after squandering a 19-point lead to essay a dramatic win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao could not help but emphasize his young squad’s growth Friday night, Oct. 24.
This after the Elasto Painters squandered a 19-point lead before hanging tough for a 110-100 win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
“We maintained our composure. It was a good endgame finish for us,” said Guiao, whose team improved to a 2-1 record.
“I guess it’s just accumulated experience, learning from making the semis and being able to get the stops, making the right plays at the right time. Again, I consider it as a sign of maturity.”
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Rain or Shine overcomes second half hiccup
RoS actually raced off to a 21-3 start.
But just when they thought it will be an easy victory, the Bossing unleashed a furious 36-16 third period to take a 77-71 lead entering the final frame.
But after being in the semifinals for four straight conferences, the Elasto Painters knew exactly what to do.
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First, they strung together 14 straight points to open up the fourth period.
But they were only able to shake off the pesky Bossing with pressure on the backcourt, which resulted in a 10-to-nothing rampage to get the edge back at 101-91 lead with 2:53 left to play.
Blackwater simply did not have enough to turn the tables since then.
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Keith Datu was behind the scintillating start of Rain or Shine, dropping 14 of his 20 points in the first half.
He also wound up with eight rebounds and two blocks.
It was Adrian Nocum who delivered the finishing kick, scoring 10 in the homestretch to ensure his team will emerge victorious at the finish line.
Nocum finished with 17 points, two assists, two steals and a block.
Jhonard Clarito added 16 points.
“We just got our run at the right time. It was a tough endgame situation, but we’re able to manage to put together,” said Guiao.
Meanwhile, Russel Escoto and Sedrick Barefield engineered Blackwater’s outburst in the third period, where they combined for 21 points.
Escoto paced the Bossing with 20 markers, on a perfect 3-of-3 from the arc.
He complemented his offensive showing with four rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Barefield turned in 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, Rookie Jack Cruz-Dumont put up a season-high 19 markers, while Christian David scored 18 and hauled down nine rebounds as the Bossing slipped to a second loss in three games.
Rain or Shine vs. Blackwater Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 110 – Datu 20, Nocum 17, Clarito 16, Mamuyac 13, Malonzo 8, Asistio 8, Santillan 7, Lemetti 5, Belga 5, Porter 4, Norwood 3, Caracut 2, Ildefonso 2
BLACKWATER 100 – Escoto 20, Dumont 19, David 18, Barefield 15, Zamar 7, Tratter 5, Mendoza 4, Panopio 4, Guinto 3, Jopia 3, Andrade 2, Murrell 0
Quarterscores: 27-17, 55-41, 71-77, 110-100
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.