Rain or Shine came from behind and prolonged Blackwater’s skid, 110-103, to continue its surge in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup, Saturday.
Andrei Caracut, Jhonard Clarito, and Santi Santillan joined hands for the pivotal 10-0 run to wipe out a six-point deficit and build a 96-92 lead with under seven minutes left to play to put the Elasto Painters ahead for good.
Gian Mamuyac and Beau Belga would then help out Caracut and Santillan in applying the finishing touches as RoS won their third consecutive outing.
“We’ve been playing really good second halves. ‘Yung tatlong panalo namin medyo masama ‘yung starts, but we were able to recover in time,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, whose side improved to 3-4.
Santillan led the way with 28 points and seven rebounds. Belga continued his solid play with 21 points and seven boards as well, with four assists.
Clarito supplied 16 points off the bench while Caracut chipped in 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists for the surging Rain or Shine.
The Elasto Painters will try to make it four in a row against Terrafirma next Saturday, April 13, 3 p.m. at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Rey Suerte, meanwhile, top-scored for the Bossing with 20 points and five rebounds in the loss, which is now the team’s third straight.
Rey Nambatac had 13 points as he lost against his former team. He wasn’t even able to finish the game as he got fouled out with 1:40 left to play.
“Si Rey, kumpare ko ‘yan e. So kahit saan kami magpunta, magpapansinan talaga kami. Pero sabi nga ni Coach, professional pagdating sa laro, walang pansinan. Ganun lang,” said Santillan.
The road won’t get any easier for Blackwater (3-3) as it next faces Barangay Ginebra on April 12, Friday, 7:30 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.