Rain or Shine Fends Off Phoenix, 91–80, for Solo Lead
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters battled through adversity and a gritty Phoenix Fuel Masters side to secure a hard-earned 91–80 victory in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The win — Rain or Shine’s fourth in a row — lifted the team to 5–1, giving them solo leadership in the standings ahead of Magnolia, TNT, and NLEX.
Despite losing forward Keith Datu to a knee injury in the third quarter, the Elasto Painters displayed poise and depth down the stretch to pull away late. Datu was later brought to the hospital for an MRI after an awkward fall.
With the score tied at 63-all entering the fourth quarter, Anton Asistio sparked Rain or Shine’s surge, hitting two crucial triples — including one that capped a 13–0 run — to turn a four-point deficit into an 80–71 advantage midway through the final frame.
Asistio finished with 20 points, shooting a sizzling 6-of-8 from beyond the arc, with three rebounds and three assists, while Gian Mamuyac top-scored with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Mamuyac, who also had three rebounds, three assists, and a steal carried the offense in the third quarter with 14 markers before Asistio took over in the payoff period.
Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito also made timely contributions. Nocum buried tough back-to-back jumpers, and Clarito converted an and-one play that fueled the decisive rally. The duo combined for 21 points, helping Rain or Shine withstand Phoenix’s rebounding dominance, as the Fuel Masters held a 69–50 advantage on the boards.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Phoenix stayed competitive for three quarters but faltered late as Rain or Shine’s hot shooting took over. Jason Perkins led the Fuel Masters with 17 points, seven rebounds, and an assist, while Sean Manganti added 13 points, two rebounds, and an assist. Bryan Santos and Kai Ballungay also grabbed 11 and 10 rebounds, respectively.
However, the loss marked Phoenix’s fourth straight defeat, dropping them to 1–5 in the standings.
Rain or Shine looks to continue its hot streak when it faces NLEX Road Warriors on Saturday, November 8, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Meanwhile, Phoenix will try to halt its skid when it clashes with Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, November 12, at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 91- Mamuyac 22, Asistio 20, Clarito 11, Nocum 10, Datu 9, Malonzo 6, Santillan 4, Norwood 2, Belga 2, Porter 2, Lemetti 1, Caracut 0, Ildefonso 0.
Phoenix 80 – Perkins 17, Manganti 13, Santos 9, Ballungay 9, Tio 8, Rivero 7, Garcia 6, Tuffin 6, Kwekuteye 3, Daves 2, Nelle 0, Caperal 0.
Quarter Scores: 21-15, 36-37, 63-63, 91-80.
