PBA: Anton Asistio’s four free throws hand Rain or Shine win vs Titan

Anton Asistio calmly sank four free throws to lift Rain or Shine past Titan Ultra, 112–111, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Titan Ultra held a 111-108 lead with just four seconds remaining before Asistio was subbed in for Gian Mamuyac during the Elasto Painters’ final play.

Asistio attempted a four-point basket but was fouled by Joshua Munzon, sending him to the line for four pressure-packed free throws.

Asistio then made all four charities to give Rain or Shine the lead, while Calvin Abueva missed his last shot on the other end, sealing the win for the Elasto Painters.

Rain or Shine trailed 92-81 at the end of the third quarter before limiting Titan to just 19 points in the final frame while exploding for 31, capped by Asistio’s clutch freebies.

Asistio finished with 11 points, going a perfect 4-of-4 from the line, along with two rebounds and one assist.

Adrian Nocum led the Elasto Painters with 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. Santi Santillan also came up big with 21 points on four triples, nine rebounds, and an assist, while Jhonard Clarito chipped in 19 points, six boards, three assists, and a steal as Rain or Shine improved to 3–1.

Abueva posted monster numbers with 31 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block, while Munzon tallied 15 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. Aljun Melecio also fired four triples on his way to 21 points, but the Giant Risers dropped their fourth straight game after opening the conference with a win.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 112 – Nocum 24, Santillan 21, Clarito 19, Asistio 11, Norwood 10, Mamuyac 8, Lemetti 6, Belga 5, Malonzo 4, Ildefonso 2, Datu 2, Caracut 0.

Titan 111 – Abueva 31, Melecio 21, Munzon 15, Balanza 12, Koon 12, Pessumal 12, Yu 3, Flores 2, Barasi 2, Ambohot 0, Ular 0, Monje 0.

Quarters: 28-34, 57-64, 81-92, 112-111.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News