Jun 02, 2023

E-Painters make it two in a row at the expense of Fuel Masters

RAIN or Shine ended the two-game run of erstwhile unbeaten Phoenix and started its own 2-0 roll with a 113-104 triumph Friday night in the PBA on Tour at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Elasto Painters used a telling 41-24 blast in the third quarter to create a 13-point separation then held firm the rest of the way to claim a roaring followup to their 117-93 opening verdict over NLEX.

Rey Nambatac, Nick Demusis and Anton Asistio hit big shots in that period to wrest control back for ROS after relinquishing command to the Fuel Masters in the second canto.

Caracut fired 15 on a 7-of-8 clip to lead a balanced scoring that saw four other ROS players finishing in double digits - Nick Demusis (15), Nambatac (14), Santi Santillan (13-11) and Asistio (11).

Except for Gabe Norwood who went scoreless, 11 of the 12 active cagers netted at least four points for coach Yeng Guiao.

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"Gusto ni coach mas maraming tira at takbuhan. Yung sistema ni coach, kung sino'ng bukas itira mo, magagalit pa siya pag hindi tinira. Kaya naman kahit sino sa amin pwedeng pumutok," said Caracut, who was named Player of the Game.

Trade acquisition Mac Belo, who recently signed a one-year deal with ROS, showed up but didn't suit up for his new team yet.

Phoenix's power combo of Raul Soyud (24-13) and Larry Muyang (20-12) continued their strong showing but the Fuel Masters failed to continue the momentum from their earlier victories over San Miguel Beer (106-101) and Meralco (100-93) and fell to 2-1. (OL)

The Scores:

RAIN OR SHINE 113 - Demusis 15, Caracut 15, Nambatac 14, Santillan 13, Asistio 11, Ildefonso 9, Borboran 8, Belga 8, Mamuyac 7, Ponferrada 7, Clarito 4, Norwood 0.

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PHOENIX 104 - Soyud 24, Muyang 20, Alejandro 14, Lalata 13, Jazul 9, Celda 7, Atienza 7, Tio 6, Garcia 4, Rangel 0.

QUARTERS: 24-16, 50-54, 91-78, 113-104.