By REYNALD MAGALLON
Rain or Shine flaunted its depth and rode on a telling fourth quarter run to frustrate Phoenix, 122-107, and get back on the winning track in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
The Elasto Painters got plenty of contributions across the board as eight players reached double figures in scoring to pull away from what initially looked to be a tight contest against the still winless Fuel Masters.
Rain or Shine was even down by two, 97-95, midway through the final frame before the Yeng Guiao-mentored squad stepped its foot on the gas pedal with a 19-2 run to leave Phoenix behind and improve to a 5-1 record.
Import Aaron Fuller and sophomore Adrian Nocum led that balanced attack with their double-double performances with the former putting up 16 points and 11 rebounds and the latter also finishing with 16 along with 10 rebounds and five assists.
Gian Mamuyac was also a big part of Rain or Shine’s pullaway, dropping eight of his 14 points in the final frame – including back-to-back treys that triggered the massive run.
Anton Asistio had 13 points while Andrei Caracut, Caelan Tiongson, and Felix Lemetti all had 12 points. Jhonard Clarito was the other double-digit scorer for ROS with 10.
Phoenix actually managed to keep in step with Rain or Shine’s fast-pace play through the first three quarters but seemingly ran out of gas in the final frame with import Brandone Francis only mustering two points in the final 12 minutes.
The Elasto Painters tightened up their defensive screws as after Francis exploded for 19 points in the opening frame was only limited to 12 points the rest of the way.
He finished with 31 points to go with seven rebounds and two steals while Jason Perkins added 22 points and 10 rebounds. Their efforts, however, were not enough as Phoenix remained winless through six games and its playoff chances now looking bleak.
