Undermanned Rain or Shine beats Meralco for back-to-back wins

An undermanned Rain or Shine squad defeated Meralco, 128-116, on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Many of Rain or Shine's big men were not available with Keith Datu and Caelan Tiongson out due to injury and Beau Belga also being missed by the Elasto Painters. Rain or Shine then turned to veteran Gabe Norwood who had 12 points, five assists, an assist, and a block as they claimed their second straight win.

After leading 66-59 by the end of first half, Rain or Shine pulled away in the third period as it outscored Meralco, 36-23, to claim a 102-82 lead.

Meralco inched closer, 120-108, with 2:18 left in the fourth period but Rain or Shine answered with a 6-0 to take a comfortable 124-108 lead before cruising to the victory.

Aside from Norwood, Santillan also stepped up with 27 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. Gian Mamuyac and Adrian Nocum had 24 points each, while Felix Lemetti had 13 points as Rain or Shine improved to 2-1

Bong Quinto led the Bolts with 23 points, while CJ Cansino and Raymar Jose had 21 points apiece as Meralco absorbed its third straight loss and slipped to 2-3.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 128 – Santillan 27, Mamuyac 24, Nocum 24, Lemetti 13, Norwood 12, Clarito 10, Malonzo 9, Caracut 7, Borboran 2, Asistio 0.

Meralco 116 – Quinto 23, Jose 21, Cansino 21, Banchero 14, Hodge 8, Caram 7, Bates 6, Black 5, Rios 4, Newsome 3, Reyson 2, Almaazan 2, Pascual 0.

Quarters: 29-28, 66-59, 102-82, 128-116.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News