By REYNALD MAGALLON
Demetrius Treadwell came one assist shy of notching a triple-double as the resurgent Rain or Shine put the first blemish to Magnolia’s erstwhile clean slate following a pulsating 113-110 victory in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Aquilino Pimentel International Convention Center on Saturday, Dec. 16.
The hulking import was a force inside the paint, posting 30 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists as the Elasto Painters sustained their rally from a 0-5 start and picked up their third straight win.
Not only that it kept Rain or Shine very much in contention for a spot in the playoffs but the win should also be a huge morale-booster for the young crew which snapped the Hotshots’ seven-game winning streak in the conference, 18 straight if included the perfect 11-0 run of the team in the PBA on Tour.
The young guns of head coach Yeng Guiao also took charge in the endgame with Leonard Santillan and Keith Datu drilling back-to-back treys that gave the Elasto Painters a 110-108 lead with 1:25 left – a gutsy response from Rain or Shine after Magnolia momentarily took a four- point lead.
ROS was actually up by six, 104-98, midway through the final frame before Magnolia, behind Mark Barroca and import Tyler Bey unloaded a 10-0 run to take the driver’s seat.
Andrei Caracut, who also nailed crucial free throws in the waning seconds to keep Magnolia at bay, finished with 15 points and six assists while Datu added 14 points and six boards.
Rain or Shine survived another big game from Magnolia import Tyler Bey, who chalked up a double-double of 30 points and 11 rebounds, and Paul Lee, who fired 22 points.
Mark Barroca also had 20 points and seven assists for the Hotshots who, despite their first defeat, remained atop the standings with a 7-1 record.
