MANILA – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters banked on a huge fourth quarter breakaway to defeat Phoenix Fuel Masters, 122-107, in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Gian Mamuyac tallied 14 points, with eight coming in the fourth quarter, to go with three assists and three steals as the Painters remained on top in Group B with a 5-1 win-loss slate.
“Nag-start siguro ‘yun sa mentality ng team, ‘yun nga kahit sino naman ipasok ni coach can do the job and ready to step up,” Mamuyac said. “I think, overall, nag-combine lang ‘yung efforts namin inside the court.”
Adrian Nocum and Aaron Fuller led the way for the Painters with 16 points apiece, Anton Asistio and Jhonard Clarito had 13 and 10 points, respectively, while Felix Lemetti, Caelan Tiongson, and Andrei Caracut ended with 12 points each.
After seeing their double-digit lead turned to a 95-97 deficit, the Painters went on a 12-0 blast behind inside hits by Tiongson and Caracut and back-to-back three-pointers from Mamuyac for a 107-97 lead.
The Fuel Masters attempted to make a run, but the Painters responded with three-pointers from Fuller and Caracut as the lead reached its biggest at 122-103 with over a minute remaining.
“Obvious naman that they (our new recruits) are giving big contributions, our fortunes has changed from the previous conferences that we are starting badly,” said Painters head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao.
“We know that Phoenix is not yet playing to their potential, they are struggling, pero nahirapan kami sa kanila, especially in the first half, napagod na lang din siguro sila sa dulo,” he added.
Brandone Francis top-scored for the Fuel Masters with 31 points, Jason Perkins contributed 22 markers, and rookie Kai Ballungay ended with 11 points. They dropped to 0-6 in the standings./PN
BOX SCORE:
RAIN OR SHINE 122 – Nocum 16, Fuller 16, Mamuyac 14, Asistio 13, Lemetti 12, Tiongson 12, Caracut 12, Clarito 10, Ildefonso 6, Santillan 5, Borboran 2, Datu 2, Escandor 2, Belga 0.
PHOENIX 107 – Francis 31, Perkins 22, Ballungay 11, Rivero 9, Soyud 8, Garcia 8, Jazul 4, Muyang 4, Alejandro 3, Tio 2, Verano 2, Mocon 2, Salado 1, Tuffin 0, Daves 0, Manganti 0.
Quarterscores: 31-33, 64-57, 87-85, 122-107.
