Rain or Shine secures 5th win

MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine turned on the jets in the final period to zoom past Phoenix, 122-107, for a quick pull around in the PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Engaged in a hard-fought contest, the Elasto Painters dropped a telling 27-10 barrage in the last 8:14 to seize control against a Fuel Masters crew that couldn’t keep up with the blistering pace heading home.

The 15-point verdict marked ROS’ return to the win column after seeing its red-hot 4-0 start stained by a 112-113 heartbreaker from San Miguel Beer last Sept. 5.

At 5-1 overall, Yeng Guiao’s spirited charges strengthened their hold of pole position in Group B.

The E-Painters did everything by committee – from point production to defending against Phoenix reinforcement Brandon Francis.

Eight players deployed by Guiao turned in 10 points or more: Import Aaron Fuller (16 plus 11 rebounds), Adrian Nocum (16 with 10 boards), Gian Mamuyac (14 spiked by three triples), Anton Asistio (13), Andrei Caracut (12), Caelan Tiongson (12), Felix Pangilinan-Lemetti (12) and Jhonard Clarito (10).

Against Mamuyac and Co., Francis finished with a game-high 31 for Phoenix (0-6) but was held to just two in the fourth quarter that Rain or Shine handily won, 35-22.

“Nag-start ‘yan sa mentality namin as a team. Sabi nga ni coach Yeng, kahit naman sinong ipasok sa amin ay willing to do the job and ready naman mag step up,” said Mamuyac, who was heavily involved in a game-changing 12-0 blast that started ROS’ fourth-quarter breakaway.

“We kept the pace going. It’s our natural pace actually. All of the guys, as soon as they’re inside the court, they only go at one speed. So tingin namin, nakasabay ‘yung Phoenix sa amin ng three quarters then pagdating ng fourth na-control namin ‘yung pace,” said Guiao.

Though Phoenix has yet to gain traction in the tournament, Guiao admitted their opponent’s lowly record doesn’t necessarily reflect its competitive level.

“We know Phoenix is not playing up to their potential, they’re struggling and I think their import got in a little late siguro,” he said.

Later, Scottie Thompson tallied a 21-10-11 triple double as Ginebra exacted revenge on Blackwater, 112-98, to make it three straight and 4-2.