ONCE again, Rain or Shine found its rhythm in the most opportune time to extend its winning streak with a hard-earned 110-103 decision over Blackwater Saturday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Santi Santillan, Beau Nelga and Jhonard Clarito led the Elasto Painters, who shrugged off a listless start to stay on the coattails of the Bossing before mustering an endgame surge that propelled them to their third straight win after a 0-4 start.
"Weve been playing really good second halfs. 'Yung tatlong panalo namin medyo masama 'yung starts, but we were able to recover in time," said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, obviously pleased with the way his team managed to shrug off some rebounding and free throw shooting troubles.
"We survived 21 offensive rebounds. Very rarely would you win a game when you give up 21 offensive rebounds," Guiao pointed out.
"We survived our own free throw misses," added Guiao, referring to the 12 flubbed charities his team had. "Buti na lang we had some big plays, crucial plays. We're finding ways to win so I can't complain too much."
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Santillan led all scorers with 28 points and seven rebounds with 17 of his points coming in the second half. Belga was chief backer with 21 points while Clarito wound up with 16 points, eight scattered in the fourth period.
Rey Suerte finished with 20 points to lead Blackwater while ex-E-Painter Rey Nambatac had 13 points before fouling out with still 1:40 to go, but not after leading the Bossing's surge to an early 18-4 lead.
That did not deter Rain or Shine, which stayed close before unleashing a 10-0 run sparked by Clarito's eight straight points, to go on top for good, 96-92.
Blackwater kept pulling within two, but the E-Painters kept their composure through crucial points from Belga, Santillan and Gian Mamuyac.
"We just tried to play better defense and execute better on offense," said Guiao.
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The loss was the Bossing's third straight following a 3-0 start, prolonging their slide from the top of the leaderboard. Also denied a win was Jeff Cariaso on his 100th game as a PBA head coach.
Blackwater must now do some urgent polishing before facing Barangay Ginebra on April 12, two days after Rain or Shine tackles Magnolia. (NC)
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 110 - Santillan 28, Belga 21, Clarito 16, Caracut 12, Mamuyac 8, Demusis 7, Norwood 6, Borboran 6, Ildefonso 5, Nocum 1, Asistio 0, Belo 0.
BLACKWATER 103 - Suerte 20, Nambatac 13, Kwekuteye 11, Rosario 10, Tungcab 9, Casio 9, Hill 7, Chua 6, David 6, Guinto 5, Ilagan 5, Sena 2, Escoto 0.
QUARTERS: 22-28, 49-54, 80-84, 110-103
