The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters obtained their fifth win in the 2015-16 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at the expense of Barako Bull. The result kept Rain or Shine up with the Alaska Aces and the San Miguel Beermen at the top of the standings. On the other hand, Barako Bull experienced their fourth loss this season.
Rain or Shine enjoyed a good start to the game. Jewel Ponferada scored eight points in the first quarter as Rain or Shine dictated the tempo from early on. The Elasto Painters put up a 24-15 lead after four straight points from big man Beau Belga. Before the end of the first quarter, Barako Bull were able to cut Rain or Shine’s lead to four, after baskets from Josh Urbiztondo and Michael Miranda. The first quarter ended 24-20 in favor of Rain or Shine.
It was the same story for the Elasto Painters in the second quarter as they maintained their control of Barako Bull. Maverick Ahanmisi scored eight points in this quarter, and it was his shot beyond the arc which gave Rain or Shine an eight point lead, 45-37. Two free throws from Jeff Chan gave Rain or Shine a ten point lead, but a Jeric Fortuna layup sliced it to single digits before halftime. Rain or Shine led 49-41 at halftime.
The third quarter was a matter of two halves for both teams. A Gabe Norwood trey gave Rain or Shine a 70-54 lead, but five free throws from Chico Lanete and Josh Urbiztondo lessened deficit for Barako to thirteen. Urbiztondo and Willie Wilson proved to be Barako Bull’s sparks as they combined to score six points and lower Rain or Shine’s lead to 65-72. RR Garcia then scored from downtown to provide a lifeline for Barako Bull at 71-74. Nonetheless, Rain or Shine finished the third quarter 76-71.
Likewise, in the fourth quarter, Rain or Shine built a huge lead via six triples but Barako Bull found a way to trim it down. Chan’s hot hands rewarded Rain or Shine with their biggest lead of the game at 96-78. However, Barako Bull wouldn’t die down and Wilson, Fortuna, Miranda, and Eman Monfort granted them a glimmer of hope at 98-105. But it was a case of too little to late as free throws from Cruz secured the win for Rain or Shine. The final score was 110-104 in favor of Rain or Shine.
Ponferada played a good game, making 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Cruz topscored for Rain or Shine with 19 markers. Chan also scored 18 of his own. On Barako Bull’s end, it was Garcia who led them with 23 points while Wilson recorded 21 points and 19 rebounds. Urbiztondo also provided 16 for Barako.
Up next for Rain or Shine are Barangay Ginebra on November 28, 2015 (5:15PM) at the MOA Arena, while Barako Bull shall face the Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters on December 3, 2015 (4:15PM) at the same venue.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine (110) – Cruz 19, Chan 18, Ponferada 18, Norwood 13, Ahanmisi 11, Almazan 8, Belga 6, Quinahan 5, Teng 4, Tiu 4, Nimes 2, Trollano 2, Ibanes 0, Matias 0.
Barako Bull (104) – Garcia 23, Wilson 21, Urbiztondo 16, Monfort 9, Pennisi 8, Intal 7, Lanete 7, Miranda 7, Fortuna 6, Baracael 0, Brondial 0, Sorongon 0.
Quarterscores: 24-20, 49-41, 76-71, 110-104.
