Rock 'n roll! Almazan leads Rain or Shine past Blackwater

Raymond Almazan was a towering presence for Rain or Shine. KC Cruz

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters hacked out a surprisingly-tough 82-75 win over expansion team Blackwater Elite on Friday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

 

After losing their opening assignment to San Miguel Beer, the Elasto Painters improved their record to 1-1, while Blackwater dropped to 0-2.

 

Second-year center Raymond Almazan finished with his second double-double in as many games, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He was instrumental in the Elasto Painters' comeback in the final period after trailing by as much as 15 points in the third quarter.

 

"They gave us a really tough time, it's really just our experience that won us the game," said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

 

"It's just that people tend to underestimate the expansion teams, but they'ree stronger than they look. If you're not ready on a given night, they're gonna spring some surprises."

 

Rain or Shine won despite Almazan being the lone player in double-figures for the squad. The team struggled from the outside, missing all 24 of their three-point attempts.

 

"We give credit to their defense with us shooting 0-of-24 from three-point range," said Guiao.

 

But the Elasto Painters clamped down in the final period, scoring 31 points while limiting Blackwater to just 15.

 

Veteran forward Eddie Laure led Blackwater with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while former Rain or Shine wingman Alex Nuyles scored 13 against his former squad. — JST, GMA News

 

Rain or Shine played without guards Paul Lee and Chris Tiu, who were nursing injuries. The Elasto Painters also lost Ryan Araña, who was hurt in the second half.

 

"Paul can play in the next game," said Guiao. "I think Ryan pulled a hamstring, but Im not sure how it is. Si Chris tiu mga two weeks pa." — JST, GMA News

 

The scores:

 

RAIN OR SHINE 82 - Almazan 17, Chan 9, Belga 9, Ibanes 8, Cruz Jericho 8, Norwood 7, Cruz Jervy 6, Quinahan 6, Uyloan 4, Tang 4, Teng 2, Arana 2, Lee 0, Tiu 0.

 

BLACKWATER 75 - Laure 16, Nuyles 13, Gamalinda 13, Tiongson 12, Faundo 6, Menor 5, Artadi 4, Erram 2, Rodriguez 2, Ballesteros 2, Timberlake 0, Austria 0, Cawaling 0.

 

Quarters: 11-16, 31-40, 51-60, 82-75