Mocon, Santillan lead Rain or Shine past Magnolia to arrest two-game skid

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters relied on late-game clutch plays as they arrested a two-game skid against the Magnolia Hotshots, 75-72, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Friday in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Javee Mocon led his team with 19 points, eight rebounds, and two assists while Leonard Santillan chipped in 14 markers as Rain or Shine improved to 5-4.

Magnolia, on the other hand, registered its third loss in nine games.

It was a tight affair for both Magnolia and Rain or Shine as no team led by more than 10 markers. The Elasto Painters led by as many as eight points only once after James Yap sank two of his free throws in the second quarter.

Calvin Abueva tied the game at 61-apiece after a putback in the payoff period but back-to-back baskets from Rey Nambatac and Mocon made it a 66-63 cushion for Elasto Painters.

Santillan, who had been sparking his team's offensive run in the game, scored on a layup and drew a foul from Abueva before Mark Barroca hit a triple to settle the match at 70-68, still in favor of Rain or Shine.

Norbert Torres drained a long jumper, 74-70, before Paul Lee missed a triple attempt with 17 seconds left. Mocon then split on his charities that sent the possession to Magnolia, 75-72.

Jerrick Ahanmisi then had the opportunity to send the game into overtime after firing a three-pointer but missed as the time expired.

Sangalang played a huge game for Magnolia after pouring double-double output of 21 points and 10 rebounds while Abueva and Lee each had 12 and 11 markers.

The scores:

Rain or Shine (75) - Mocon 19, Santillan 14, Yap 14, Nambatac 8, Caracut 7, Torres 4, Asistio 2, Belga 2, Borboran 2, Norwood 2, Ponferada 1.

Magnolia (72) - Sangalang 21, Abueva 12, Barroca 11, Lee 11, Dela Rosa 7, Brill 3, Melton 3, Reavis 2, Jalalon 2.

Quarter scores: 16-13, 31-28, 51-53, 75-72

—JMB, GMA News