Painters twit Elite; Bolts alive

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine quickly got back on track after a two-point loss to Globalport the last time out, imposing its will in smothering Blackwater Elite, 103-81, in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

The Elasto Painters didn’t leave anything to chance, establishing control early and dominating throughout to regain a share of the lead with idle Alaska Milk and San Miguel Beer at 4-1.

The Beermen try to break free from the jam anew as they lock horn with the Barako Bull Energy at 3 p.m. today at the Ynares Sport Center in Antipolo.

It’s an exciting Sunday twin bill featuring Barangay Ginebra versus Mahindra at 5:15 p.m.

Two-of-two in out-of-town games but zero-of-three in the Metro, the Gin Kings will be out to hit the .500 mark versus the Mahindra side that is looking for a follow-up on its 103-93 breakthrough triumph over NLEX a week ago.

In the other game at the Petron Blaze Saturday Special, Meralco rode high on Gary David’s crucial 11-point binge in the fourth quarter to nail a first win with an 87-83 decision over the Star Hotshots.

David strung up those 11 markers from a 76-all deadlock, allowing Meralco to open an 87-79 gap before eventually notching the breakthrough victory.

“We’re really excited to play again after our heartbreaking loss to Globalport. We don’t want to take this team (Blackwater) for granted,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao on their win.

“Jericho (Cruz) played a hell of a game. He’s just a sophomore but has blended well with our team. He’s picked up his game,” Guiao also said.

Cruz, the 6-foot-1 guard from Adamson, top scored with a career-high 23 points on 5-of-6 twinners, 3-of-4 three-pointers and 4-of-4 charities.

The 2014 Draft No. 9 selection has really improved, picking up the slack in the absence of the injury-stricken Paul Lee.

Through their first four games this season, Cruz was the team’s No. 3 scorer with an average of 11.25 points, five up from his norm last season.