MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine preserved its hot streak in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after outlasting a winless but pesky Terrafirma side, 124-112, at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, December 22.
Import Deon Thompson produced a double-double of 23 points and 17 rebounds as the Elasto Painters won their fourth straight game for the longest active winning streak in the league.
Thompson joined hands with Adrian Nocum in their fourth-quarter turnaround, with two scoring 6 and 5 points, respectively, in a 16-2 run that turned a 104-108 deficit to 120-110 lead with under two minutes remaining.
Nocum, who finished with 21 points and 7 rebounds, capped that rally with a three-pointer as Rain or Shine outscored the Dyip, 26-17, in the final period.
“It is good to win four straight games before Christmas, before the new year,” said Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao.
Andrei Caracut chipped in 15 points, Santi Santillan tallied 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Anton Asistio added 10 points for Rain or Shine, which improved to 4-1.
Terrafirma led by as many as 12 points after dropping 37 points in the opening period, its most in a first quarter this season, only to fizzle out as it remained the only team in the league without a victory.
Brandon Walton-Edwards put up 26 points and 10 rebounds for the Dyip, who fell to 0-7 and absorbed their 16th loss of the season after going 1-9 last conference.
Louie Sangalang had 16 points and 6 rebounds in the loss, while Vic Manuel posted 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Rain or Shine 124 – Thompson 23, Nocum 21, Caracut 15, Santillan 11, Aistio 10, Malonzo 8, Clarito 7, Datu 7, Lemetti 6, Tiongson 6, Escandor 5, Norwood 2, Ildefonso 2, Belga 1, Demusis 0.
Terrafirma 112 – Edwards 26, Sangalang 21, Paraiso 16, Manuel 12, Hernandez 9, Melecio 7, Catapusan 7, Nonoy 7, Pringle 3, Olivario 2, Ramos 2, Ferrer 0.
Quarters: 28-37, 66-62, 98-65, 124-112.
– Rappler.com
