In a tightly-contested fourth period with plenty of lead exchanges and deadlocks, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters unleashed a booming 9-0 run late to pull away with a 99-89 victory over the Alaska Aces at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Painters were up by four markers at the end of three quarters, but Alaska showed signs of their potential comeback with Calvin Abueva leading the charge in terms of hustle. The Aces managed to take the lead at 76-74 with their 8-2 run. Abueva, however, sprained his ankle and left the game and did not return.
With foul trouble problems also building up for the Aces, the Painters took advantage by draining their free throws to stay up to par.
JVee Casio nailed in a huge three-pointer to make it an 86-85 affair in favor of the Painters with two minutes remaining. In the ensuing play, Gabe Norwood answered back with his own trey that regained momentum for the Painters.
Norwood then scored on a bucket to extend the lead to eight to cap his 7-0 personal rally. The defensive pressure of the Painters tightened up as they piled up the necessary stops to halt Alaska.
The win improved Rain or Shine’s record to 4-2 and gives them a share of third with Purefoods. Meanwhile, last conference’s bridesmaid finishers slide to a 2-3 slate.
Alaska looks to bounce back on Tuesday against the Barako Bull Energy Cola squad at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. On the other hand, Rain or Shine will take a week-long break as they will next face the Energy Cola also at the Big Dome.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 99 – Chism 24, Chan 18, Norwood 14, Tiu 11, Uyloan 9, Belga 9, Cruz 6, Araña 3, Almazan 3, Tang 2, Ibañes 0, Quinahan 0.
ALASKA 89 – James 28, Baguio 12, Manuel 11, Abueva 10, Hontiveros 9, Jazul 8, Casio 5, Exciminiano 4, Menk 2, Eman 0, Banchero 0, Espinas 0, Dela Rosa 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarters: 26-16, 48-39, 67-63, 99-89
