PBA: Balanced offense tows Rain or Shine to victory over Red Bull

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine used a balanced offensive attack to complete its second-half comeback and score a 100-92 win over Red Bull in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. Eddie Laure scored 18 points to pace five other Elasto Painters that finished in double figures. He also had five rebounds and one steal in 28 minutes of action on the floor. Allan Salangsang came into Laure’s aide with 17 markers behind a 4-of-5 shooting behind the arc to go with his six rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block shot for the squad formerly known as the Welcoat Dragons to improve to a 7-6 mark. The loss was the ninth in 12 games for Red Bull as the Barakos continued their downward spin. The Yeng Guiao-mentored Barakos has not tasted a victory for a month with their last win coming from a 104-102 triumph against Talk ‘N Text on October 29. Red Bull was ahead for two quarters but could not sustain their strong start and could not find the knockout punch to finish off Rain or Shine. Also absent for the Barakos was their outside shooting going 6-of-23 beyond the arc for a measly 26.1 shooting percentage. Rookies Gabe Norwood and TY Tang combined for 23 points with most of their points coming in the latter part of the third and fourth quarters that helped quell Red Bull’s repeated comeback bids. Norwood also grabbed seven rebounds while Tang issued five assists. Mark Isip added 12 markers while Jireh Ibanez finished with 10 and six boards. Big men Carlo Sharma, who nearly led a Red Bull comeback in the fourth period, and Gabby Espinas combined for 34 points and 23 rebounds while Jeff Chan netted 16 markers behind a 6-of-11 shooting from the field. Cyrus Baguio finished with 13 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals also for the struggling Barakos. – GMANews.TV