Datu, Nocum take turns as Rain or Shine overcomes hot-shooting Blackwater

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Keith Datu keeps Rain or Shine afloat in the first half before Adrian Nocum takes over as the Elasto Painters post their third win in five games in the PBA Philippine Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Keith Datu turned in the highest scoring performance of his PBA career and steered Rain or Shine to a 120-106 win over Blackwater in the Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, May 7.

Datu fired 27 points with 8 rebounds and 2 blocks as the Elasto Painters overcame the hot-shooting Bossing to post their third win in five games.

The third-year big man poured 20 points of his output in the first half before Adrian Nocum and rest of Rain or Shine picked up where Datu left off.

“In the first half, I think we stayed in the game because of Keith Datu,” said Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao.

Blackwater made it rain from long distance as it knocked down 15 three-pointers and 3 four-pointers overall largely thanks to the trio of Christian David, Sedrick Barefield, and RK Ilagan.

Nine of those triples came in the opening half, although the Bossing failed to build a significant advantage — leading by only as many as 9 points, 64-55 — no thanks to Datu, who shot 8-of-11 in first two periods.

That Blackwater lead slowly diminished as Nocum scattered 19 of his 23 points in the second half, while five more scored in double figures for Rain or Shine.

Caelan Tiongson chimed in 14 points and 4 assists, Gian Mamuyac and Andrei Caracut each had 11 points, while Jhonard Clarito and Santi Santillan tallied 10 points apiece and combined for 15 rebounds.

“It is a testimony to the patience of the guys for not folding up despite the torrid shooting of Blackwater,” said Guiao.

David erupted for a game-high 28 points on a 5-of-8 shooting from three and a 2-of-2 clip from four to go with 8 rebounds and 1 block, but his effort went for naught as the Bossing dropped their fourth loss in five games.

Barefield and Ilagan netted 23 and 16 points, respectively.

The Scores

Rain or Shine 120 – Datu 27, Nocum 23, Tiongson 14, Caracut 11, Mamuyac 11, Clarito 10, Santillan 9, Lemetti 8, Norwood 3, Asistio 3, Belga 0.

Blackwater 106 – David 28, Barefield 23, Ilagan 16, Ayonayon 9, Casio 8, Guinto 6, Andrade 5, Escoto 5, Mallilin 4, Chua 2, Tratter 0.

Quarters: 37-33, 60-68, 91-91, 120-106.

– Rappler.com