Rain or Shine gains ‘morale booster’ ahead of Ginebra clash

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Rain or Shine gets back on track after back-to-back losses as it deals erstwhile PBA leader NorthPort with a 20-point beating behind a superb local production

MANILA, Philippines – There’s sunshine after the rain for Rain or Shine.

Coming off back-to-back losses, the Elasto Painters got back on track in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after dealing erstwhile league leader NorthPort a 127-107 rout at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday, January 16.

Adrian Nocum produced all-around numbers of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists to lead a superb local production as Rain or Shine inched closer to a spot in the quarterfinals with a 6-3 record.

It’s a win that bodes well for the Elasto Painters going into a clash against Barangay Ginebra on January 22 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. 

“To arrest a losing skid is really a morale booster, and we need a lot of that especially going into our game against Ginebra,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.

“Ginebra’s also playing well. But I have huge trust in our team. As long as we’re competing, we should be okay.” 

Santi Santillan also finished with 16 points, setting the tone in a sizzling opening quarter where he scattered 9 points to help the Elasto Painters build a 33-18 lead. 

Rain or Shine — bannered by a 27-point, 11-rebound outing of import Deon Thompson – cruised the rest of the way, with its lead peaking at 25 points, 121-96, in the fourth quarter. 

Four more locals scored in double figures for the Elasto Painters: Andrei Caracut (13), Anton Asistio (12), Keith Datu (11), and Beau Belga (10). 

Import Kadeem Jack put up 39 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks to pace the Batang Pier, who fell to second place with a 7-3 card.

NorthPort, which won its first five assignments of the conference, has lost back-to-back matches and three of its last five. 

Arvin Tolentino added 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks in the loss, while Joshua Munzon chimed in 17 points and 3 steals. 

The Scores

Rain or Shine 127 – Thompson 25, Nocum 16, Santillan 16, Caracut 13, Asistio 12, Datu 11, Norwood 7, Belga 10, Clarito 8, Tiongson 5, Malonzo 2, Lemetti 0, Ildefonso 0.

NorthPort 107 – Jack 39, Munzon 17, Tolentino 19, Flores 8, Cuntapay 5, Nelle 5, Miranda 4, Yu 3, Bulanadi 2, Onwubere 3, Navarro 2.

Quarters: 33-18, 62-44, 96-75, 127-107.

– Rappler.com