MANILA – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters secured its breakthrough win in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup after a 100-85 triumph over Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Rookie Adrian Nocum led the way with 28 points, including five three-point conversions, to go with seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals as the Painters improved to a 1-4 win-loss slate.
Beau Belga chipped in a double-double of 21 markers and 11 rebounds, while Jhonard Clarito contributed 19 points, with nine coming in the crucial part of the fourth quarter, for the Painters.
Holding to a 78-66 lead after three quarters, the Painters were surprised by a huge fourth quarter run by the Fuel Masters to cut the deficit to 80-86 after a three-pointer by Rodolfo Alejandro Jr.
The Painters responded with back-to-back triples from Andrei Caracut and Clarito and three consecutive inside baskets from Clarito to establish the biggest lead at 100-83.
Ricci Rivero top-scored with 16 points, RJ Jazul added 11 markers, while Kenneth Tuffin and Raffy Verano contributed 10 points apiece as the Fuel Masters fell to a 1-3 record.
Meanwhile, Magnolia Chicken Timplados (1-0) Hotshots kicked off the conference with a dominant 106-75 victory over Converge FiberXers (0-5) on Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Ian Sangalang led the way for the Hotshots with 17 points, Calvin Abueva and Jiovani Jalalon added 14 markers apiece, while Andy Mark Barroca contributed 12 points, six assists, and five steals.
“Lagi kong sinasabi na, I like our chances, kasi nakikita ko ang mga batang to na sobrang grabeng magtrabaho. I’m very confident and trust them, kung paano silang mag-execute sa conference na ito,” said Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero.
Justin Arana top-scored for the slumping FiberXers with 17 points to go with six rebounds, Alec Stockton added 15 markers, while Bryan Santos contributed 13 points, including three triples./PN
BOX SCORE:
RAIN OR SHINE 100 — Nocum 28, Belga 21, Clarito 19, Santillan 8, Caracut 6, Belo 5, Mamuyac 4, Borboran 4, Norwood 3, Ildefonso 2, Asistio 0, Demusis 0.
PHOENIX 85 — Rivero 16, Jazul 11, Tuffin 10, Verano 10, Manganti 7, Mocon 6, Alejandro 6, Muyang 5, Garcia 5, Daves 4, Salado 3, Camacho 2, Lalata 0.
Quarterscores: 22-29, 47-41, 78-66, 100-85.
