Nambatac, Mocon star as Rain or Shine grabs second win in a row with rout of Blackwater

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters proved to be too much for their opponents as they hacked out a 71-62 triumph over the struggling Blackwater in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Elasto Painters, led by the duo of Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon, cruised to their second win in a row to share the early lead with Meralco at 2-0 in the standings.

Nambatac, a former NCAA standout for Colegio de San Juan de Letran, churned out 21 points along with 12 rebounds while Mocon, a San Beda University product, chipped in 12 markers to go with 12 boards as well and three assists.

The Elasto Painters were coming off a narrow 83-82 win over NLEX last Friday to open its 2021 campaign on a high note.

But compared to its previous outing, Rain or Shine made sure to establish a wide margin against the Bossing with a 16-point upper hand at the end of the third quarter.

Nambatac notched six points on that run while Mocon put up the finishing touches in the third canto as the former sixth overall pick drained a triple, 61-45.

Blackwater, though, sparked a fourth quarter rally and even trimmed the deficit to nine points after a crucial basket by Ed Daquioag, 62-71.

Veteran forward Kelly Nabong led the offensive charge for Blackwater with his 18 points and seven rebounds while Daquioag wrapped up the night with 10 and three.

Rain or Shine tackles Terrafirma next on Friday, July 23, while Blackwater will also play on the same day against the defending champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News