Despite shooting 0/24 beyond the arc, the Elasto Painters get through a tough Blackwater team thanks to a double-double from Rain or Shine’s X-factor, Raymond Almazan (17 points, 10 rebounds).
Rain or Shine held an early 11-6 lead midway through the first quarter, but a JP Erram tip-in, followed by 4 consecutive Alex Nuyles lay-ups turned the tide, giving Blackwater a 16-11 lead to end the first quarter.
During the second quarter, a Juami Tiongson 3, followed by 2 free throws from Bryan Faundo gave Blackwater a 9-point lead. Both teams traded baskets, and the half ended 40-31 for Blackwater. The outside shot did not help Rain or Shine’s cause, as they went 0/12 from behind the arc during the first half. Blackwater, meanwhile, had plenty of help from the bench, as they were able to score 27 of their teams 40 points.
The Blackwater lead ballooned to 15-points midway through the third quarter thanks to an Eddie Laure jumper, 53-38. Jericho Cruz was able to steal the ball on the next possession, completing a fastbreak lay-up. This was followed by an Almazan dunk and an Almazan and-one. A Gabe Norwood fastbreak completed the 9-0 run, keeping Rain or Shine in the game. By the end of the third quarter though, Rain or Shine was still down 9, 60-51.
The pivotal fourth quarter was when Rain or Shine would finally turn things around. Back-to-back buckets by Jeff Chan and Jireh Ibanez cut the lead to 5, 60-55. Paul Artadi was able to escape his opponent for a lay-up on the following possession, but an 11-0 run led by Almazan put the Elasto Painters up after trailing for most of the game, 66-62. Blackwater was never able to recover, eventually falling to Rain or Shine, 82-75.
