PBA: Rain or Shine beats Titan Ultra, snap two-game slump ahead of QF

Rain or Shine snapped a two-game losing streak with a 142-131 victory over the Titan Ultra Giant Risers in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The win came after back-to-back losses to the NLEX Road Warriors and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, allowing the Elasto Painters to finish the elimination round with a 9-3 record while awaiting the final standings heading into the quarterfinals.

After taking a slim 68-64 advantage at halftime, Rain or Shine exploded for 48 points in the third quarter while limiting Blackwater to just 26 to build a commanding 116-90 cushion.

The Bossing outscored the Elasto Painters, 41-26, in the fourth quarter, but Rain or Shine had already done enough to secure the win.

Jalen Johnson led Rain or Shine with 31 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and one steal. Caelan Tiongson and Christian Manaytay added 18 points each, with Manaytay scoring 11 of his points in the third quarter. He also tallied eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block.

Bryan Sajonia paced Blackwater with 23 points, four assists, three rebounds, and one steal as the Bossing ended the elimination round with a 2-10 record.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 142 – Johnson 31, Tiongson 18, Manaytay 18, Nocum 14, Santillan 14, Caracut 8, Cuajao 8, Malonzo 7, Asistio 7, Villegas 6, David 5, Clarito 3, Belga 3.

Titan 131 – Sajonia 23, Munzon 21, Yu 17, Dionisio 15, Pessumal 12, Balanza 10, Gilmore 9, Ular 9, Melecio 6, Ambohot 3, Buntapay 2, Caralipio 2, Omega 0, Sangco 0, Javillonar 0.

Quarters: 32-21, 68-64, 116-90, 141-131.

—JKC, GMA News