PBA: Rain or Shine bounces back at Blackwater’s expense

Rain or Shine returned to the win column after defeating Blackwater, 110-100, on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Bossing trailed 93-91 with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter before Nocum caught fire, scoring eight straight points to give Rain or Shine some breathing room.

Christian David responded with a layup and a three-pointer to trim the deficit to 101-96 with around two minutes left, but back-to-back baskets from Anton Asistio pushed the Elasto Painters’ lead to 105. Jhonard Clarito’s three-point play further widened the gap before Nocum virtually sealed the victory despite Blackwater’s late rally.

Keith Datu led Rain or Shine with 20 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, and an assist, while Nocum added 17 points — 10 of which came in the fourth quarter alone.

Richard Escoto paced Blackwater with 20 points, while Jack Cruz-Dumont and Christian David chipped in 19 and 18, respectively. Sedrick Barefield also contributed 15 points for the Bossing.

With the win, Rain or Shine improved to 2-1, while Blackwater absorbed its second consecutive loss.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 110 – Datu 20, Nocum 17, Clarito 16, Mamuyac 13, Malonzo 8, Asistio 8, Santillan 7, Lemetti 5, Belga 5, Porter 4, Norwood 3, Caracut 2, Ildefonso 2.

Blackwater 100 – Escoto 20, Dumont 19, David 18, Barefield 15, Zamar 7, Tratter 5, Mendoza 4, Panopio 4, Guinto 3, Jopia 3, Andrade 2, Murrell 0.

Quarters: 27-17, 55-41, 71-77, 110-100.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News