E-Painters on a roll whip rusty, injury-hit Alaska Aces

MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine picked up from where it left off in its 108-98 conquest of titleholder San Miguel Beer Friday as it  blasted an injury-depleted Alaska Milk squad, 85-72, to boost its stock at second place in the PBA Philippine Cup at the MOA Arena last night.

As in their previous wins, the Elasto Painters worked on a well-balanced game to whip an Alaska side  that was not just hurting with a score of injuries but also terribly rusty in its first outing in six weeks.

Rain or Shine kept its momentum, going to its interesting showdown versus league leader Phoenix Pulse on Sunday over at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Elasto Painters improved to 4-1 as they went 2-1 in three games in five days.

“One big key was that all the guys are contributing,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

Versus the Aces, Rey Nambatac led their balanced attack with 12 points spiked by 2-of-3 three-pointers.

“We played three consecutive games at ako yung hindi gaanong pagod, that’s why I really played aggressively in this game,” said Nambatac.

The E-Painters had no complaint in playing three games in five days.

“Our good condition was there. And the good thing was that we’re able to sustain our momentum going to our games against tougher teams,” said Nambatac.

The E-Painters pounded the rusty Alaska side, taking a double-digit lead right in the opening quarter and leading by as many as 22 in the lopsided game.

The Aces struggled minus injury-hit key players Vic Manuel, Simon Enciso, Jvee Casio and Kevin Racal.

They were barely back in practice as they couldn’t even go five-on-five because of injuries until two weeks ago.

Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy took turns in delivering the goods as TNT KaTropa outlasted Magnolia in overtime, 80-75, to move to fourth place at 3-3 later in the night.

Castro and Pogoy combined for 50 points to lead the KaTropa back to a win after dropping their last game to the NLEX Road Warriors.

The scores:

First Game

Rain or Shine 85 – Nambatac 12, Belga 11, Almazan 10, Yap 9, Ahanmisi 8, Torres 7, Mocon 5, Norwood 5, Daquioag 4, Maiquez 4, Ponferada 4, Rosales 3, Borboran 3, Onwubere 0.

Alaska 72 – Teng 15, Pascual 12, Banchero 11, Galliguez 9, Exciminiano 6, Thoss 6, Ayaay 6, Baclao 4, Cruz 2, Potts 1, Babilonia 0.

Quarterscores: 25-14, 48-30, 64-51, 85-72

Second Game

TNT 80 – Pogoy 26, Castro 24, Rosario 15, Trollano 9, Williams 4, Taha 2, Golla 0, Reyes 0, Heruela 0, Semerad 0, Miranda 0, Casiño 0.

Magnolia 75 – Herndon 16, Sangalang 15, Jalalon 12, Barroca 9, Reavis 8, Dela Rosa 7, Simon 3, Calisaan 2, Pascual 2, Brondial 1, Lee 0.

Quarterscores: 9-13, 30-32, 49-52, 72-72, 80-75