ANTIPOLO — Rain or Shine made it rain from downtown and sank Terrafirma further in the standings, 124-117, to extend its franchise-best start in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center here, Wednesday night.
The Elasto Painters erupted for 41 big points in the second period to post a huge 67-45 lead at the half, thus putting them ahead for good in an offensive assault predicated on hot three-point shooting, as they drained a total of 23.
It actually equalled the league mark for most threes made in a single game, with rookie Deo Cuajao knocking down the record-tying shot with 25 seconds left, which also helped stave off the Dyip’s endgame stand to secure the victory.
The crew would go on to nab their seventh win in as many games, which not only kept them atop the standings but pulled them closer as well to the playoffs.
(C) PBA Images
“Happy with the win, but we can’t relax on defense,” offered Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao after the match. “We gave up 117 points. That’s not our standard. But when we’re making 23 from outside, we’re tough to beat.”
Five players finished in double figures in the triumph, with Jaylen Johnson leading the pack with a rare triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, with his last dime leading to the aforementioned trifecta by Cuajao.
Anton Asistio fired 18 as well behind a 4-of-6 clip from the first arc. He scored 15 of his points in the second chapter to lead the breakaway. The combo guard also had two rebounds, three assists, and two steals without a turnover.
“They were leaving me open, so I just kept shooting. Coach Yeng always tells us to let it fly when we’re free. Tonight, they just kept falling,” said Asistio.
Jun Roque made 15 points and four rebounds. Adrian Nocum supplied 13 points while captain Gian Mamuyac chipped in 11 markers for the Elasto Painters, who even led by as many as 26 points, 71-45, during the third canto.
(C) PBA Images
But of course, Terrafirma showed some pride in the fourth with Guiao emptying his bench to give the reserves some exposure, but time wasn’t enough.
As a result, the crew of Coach Ronald Tubid succumbed to their fourth straight loss and dropped below .500 in the standings after a 3-0 start to the meet.
Mubashar led his side with 32 points, albeit on 32 shots, alongside 19 rebounds. Jerrick Ahanmisi had 21 points and seven assists while Brent Paraiso finished with all-around numbers of 16 points,10 rebounds, and six assists.
Joseph Eriobu made 16 points and seven rebounds. JM Bravo chipped in 10 for a team that continued to miss Maverick Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 124 – Asistio 18, Johnson 18, Roque 15, Nocum 13, Mamuyac 11, Cuajao 9, Tiongson 7, Santillan 6, Villegas 6, Belga 6, Lemetti 4, David 3, Clarito 2, Manaytay 2, Caracut 0.
Terrafirma 117 – Ali 32, J.Ahanmisi 21, Paraiso 19, Eriobu 16, Bravo 10, Catapusan 7, Umali 5, Zaldivar 3, Chiu 2, Hanapi 2, Garcia 0.
Quarterscores: 26-27, 67-45, 96-73, 124-117.
