Rain or Shine finally had its payback against first round tormentor Barako Bull as the Elasto Painters scored a runaway 88-72 victory over the Energy Boosters Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Astrodome.
The Elasto Painters began the game a bit hesitant, before finally catching fire midway in the second period when they held down the Energy Boosters to nine points while coming through with 38 huge points of their own.
In a wink of an eye, Rain or Shine wiped out a 34-26 deficit and surged into an insurmountable 64-43 advantage.
Game over.
The win lifted the league’s youngest franchise to 4-10 (win-loss), while dealing Barako Bull (2-10) its 10th straight loss. It was actually the Energy Boosters' 20th setback in their last 22 outings and the 24th in 28 games overall dating back to the Fiesta Conference last season.
Moreover, the victory somehow eased the pains of the Painters’ 89-81 defeat to the Boosters in the first round, a game where Rain or Shine trailed by as many as 25 points at one point.
“I just told the boys that we should finish the year with a win," said Painters’ coach Caloy Garcia. “It was a big win since we have now a two-game advantage against (cellar-dwelling) Barako Bull (in the standings). And that’s big."
Sol Mercado collected 24 points on 10-for-18 shooting from the field and had eight assists while Jeff Chan added 15 points. Mike Hrabak had a rare start and finished with 12 – all on three-point shots – while rookie Jervy Cruz contributed 10 points.
Ogie Menor led the Boosters with 18 points and 10 rebounds while starters Aris Dimaunahan and Chad Alonzo combined for 25 points.
Likewise, the victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Painters, who in their previous game bowed to San Miguel Beer.
The scores
Rain or Shine 88 - Mercado 24, Chan 15, Hrabak 12, Cruz 10, Arana 9, Reyes 6, Telan 5, Norwood 4, Tang 3, Alfad 0, Arellano 0, Dulay 0.
Barako Bull 72 - Menor 18, Dimaunahan 15, Alonzo 10, Crisano 7, Faundo 4, Chia 4, Reyes 3, Aljamal 3, Hubalde 3, Lao 3, Membrere 2, Belano 0.
Quarterscores: 22-29; 44-38; 72-54; 88-72
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