All-Filipino Rain or Shine got the job done even without an import by taking down Meralco, 109-102, to gain the provisional lead of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup standings, Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Jaylen Johnson served the one-game ban he got slapped with in the aftermath of his fistfight with Glenn Khobuntin in their eventual win over TNT the last time out, but the Elasto Painters managed without him extremely well.
In fact, Coach Yeng Guiao’s men even surged to a 17-point lead during the second chapter, before putting together a strong finish en route to dealing the Bolts their first loss while they collected their third victory in as many outings.
The troika of Luis Villegas, Felix Lemetti, and Jhonard Clarito joined hands for the decisive 11-0 rally toward a 106-94 lead with 2:52 remaining, all but sealing the deal after the Bolts threatened by knocking to within a point twice.
Five players finished in double figures in the triumph, with Lemetti showing the way with a season-high 23 points, most of which he collected from the free throw line with a 12-of-13 clip, on top of two rebounds and three assists.
Adrian Nocum made 17 points, including 13 in the second period alone, alongside six rebounds. Caelan Tiongson made 16 points and five rebounds, with Clarito flirting with a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Christian Manaytay went a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor and ended up with 12 points for RoS, who despite missing Johnson, ruled the boards, 56-47.
