The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have climbed up the standings of the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup, as they beat the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 108-89, for their second straight win Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Finally tinalo na rin namin Ginebra,” said head coach Caloy Garcia, as Rain or Shine have lost four straight times to the Gin Kings — once in the 2017 Governor’s Cup and thrice in the 2018 Philippine Cup — prior to Sunday’s match.
The last time Rain or Shine won over Ginebra was in the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup, where they also started with a 2-0 card.
Six Elasto Painters finished in double figures in the wire-to-wire win. Raymond Almazan led the charge with 20 points along with eight rebounds; Ed Daquioag provided 17; and Reggie Johnson supplied 16 markers with 15 markers.
It was already a one-sided affair in favor of Rain or Shine as early as the opening frame, when they constructed a 24-12 lead thanks to Beau Belga’s basket with 1:33 on the clock.
The Elasto Painters would then go on to lead by as much as 21 points, 103-82, as veteran point guard Chris Tiu made a three-pointer with less than four minutes left to play.
“A 2-0 start is always good. Other locals stepped up today, so as long as we do the same thing every day we’re good,” added the bench strategist on the victory, which puts them on top of the standings along with the TNT Katropa (2-0).
James Yap continues his commendable showings, as he made 13 points this time. Tiu and Maverick Ahanmisi scored 10 markers apiece, with the latter adding seven assists and the former supplying six rebounds.
Japeth Aguilar captained the Barangay with 28 points and 12 rebounds. LA Tenorio had 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and three steals, while forward Joe Devance provided 11 markers and five dimes.
Import Charles Garcia filled up the stat sheet with 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 108 — Almazan 20, Daquioag 17, Johnson 16, Yap 13, Ahanmisi 10, Belga 7, Norwood 5, Onwubere 3, Washington 3, Casiño 2, Ponferada 2, Borboran 0, Matias 0, Torres 0.
Ginebra 89 — J. Aguilar 28, Garcia 19, Tenorio 13, Devance 11, Mercado 7, Ferrer 3, Thompson 3, Caguioa 2, Mariano 2, Caperal 1, R. Aguilar 0.
Quarterscores: 27-16, 49-34, 75-64, 108-89.
