The Paint Masters started strong and finished even stronger, pulling off the rout that spoke well of their capability to make a successful defense of their title here.
Except for a fumbling run late in the second quarter, it was a smooth ride all the way for the Paint Masters, taking Game One of the best-of-five title playoff nice and easy.
"I was surprised with the win because I was expecting a close game," said Welcoat coach Leo Austria. "It was basically a team effort."
Ervin Sotto was the source of inside strength for the Paint Masters as the 6-foot-8 slotman from St. Francis of Assisi College hauled down 10 rebounds and led all scorers with 18 points.
But Austria thought the terrific plays of his guards made the big difference as they gained the decisive head start in the series.
"The key here was the game dished out by our guards, particularly Paul Artadi who outclassed his counterparts. I also have to give credit to Mac Cuan, who played solid minutes, challenging our other guards to play well," said Austria of his backcourt.
Artadi had four steals, four points and three assists in a stretch where the Paint Masters turned a 39-44 deficit to a 58-50 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Liquid Power never recovered from there as the Paint Masters poured on the heat even more in the final canto.
"Sinabi ko sa sarili ko na kailangang mag-step up ako para matulungan ko man lang ang Welcoat mag-champion uli bago ako mag-PBA," said Artadi, set to play for Purefoods in the coming PBA wars.
Sotto, James Yap, Willy Wilson and Jercules Tangkay parlayed Artadi’s hustle plays to crucial baskets in a fiery assault as the Paint Masters took the fight out of the Liquid Power with over four minutes left to play.
Despite the loss, Fash coach Junel Baculi didn’t see the need to push the panic button.
"It’s still too early but we need to learn from this loss. Meaning, we have to minimize our errors," he said.
Earlier, Eric dela Cuesta hit clutch baskets down the stretch as Blustar Detergent nipped Sunkist-UST, 77-76, for third place honors.
The Tigers had chances to steal the game but Rey Mendoza missed two foul shots and Alex Compton misfired a three-pointer in the closing seconds.