Rain or Shine came from behind and extended the rejigged Blackwater’s record of futility by way of a 92-79 decision for a victorious start in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup, Thursday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Elasto Painters struggled in the first half and fell behind by 13, but got their bearings after the break and exploded for a 25-4 blast en route to a 60-45 advantage with less than six minutes remaining in the third quarter.
It would be all RoS since as it went on to hand the Bossings their 20th straight defeat — a skid that dates back to the 2020 Philippine Cup.
“I’d like to thank God for this victory, for giving us the confidence and courage to really persevere sa difficulties and adversities namin nung start ng first half,” exhaled head coach Chris Gavina. “Our players just found a way.”
Import Henry Walker led Rain or Shine with 20 points and eight rebounds, together with three assists, two blocks, and a steal in an all-around outing.
Rey Nambatac produced 16 points, 11 of which he made in the third canto as he spearheaded the assault that saw them outscore the opposition 31-12. He finished with three triples, with four boards and three dimes.
“Alam namin ni Rey na siguro may gigil pa rin kasi first game pa lang. May nervous factor sa first half. But pag nakita na namin na naging aggressive yung import namin, dun kami kumuha ng confidence,” Gavina offered.
Javee Mocon made 16 as well alongside nine caroms. Veterans Gabe Norwood and Beau Belga added 11 and 10 markers, respectively as the Elasto Painters were able to deploy a balanced attack thanks to their 24 assists.
“I’m happy na talagang our goal of sharing the ball came into fruition today,” said Gavina, who’s in his second conference as RoS’ chief mentor.
Meanwhile, Rashawn McCarthy made 15 points and nine rebounds to lead Blackwater, who had a rousing 22-9 start into the match.
Barkley Ebona had 14 points and 11 rebounds. Baser Amer also chimed in 11 markers, together with seven assists. JVee Casio scored 10.
Jaylen Bond left a lot to be desired in his PBA debut as the American reinforcement only collected 13 points and 11 rebounds in 43 minutes. He contributed on the defensive end with three steals and a block.
Rain or Shine will look to make it back-to-back wins when it battles Terrafirma (0-1) on Saturday at 6:45 p.m. Blackwater will also see action on the same day as it takes on Phoenix Super LPG (1-0) at 4:00 p.m.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 92 – Walker 20, Nambatac 16, Mocon 16, Norwood 11, Belga 10, Jackson 5, Ponferrada 4, Asistio 3, Caracut 3, Santillan 3, Tolentino 1, Wong 0, Torres 0.
Blackwater 79 – McCarthy 15, Amer 14, Ebona 14, Bond 13, Casio 10, Desiderio 5, Paras 3, Escoto 3, McAloney 2, Chauca 0, Daquioag 0, Canaleta 0, Torralba 0.
Quarterscores: 14-24, 35-41, 66-53, 92-79.
