Rain or Shine takes care of Phoenix for first win

MANILA, Philippines – Import Dior Lowhorn posted 26 points and 14 rebounds as the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters took care of the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 106-89, for their first win of the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup on Saturday, July 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Painters avoided another fourth quarter metldown by outscoring the Fuel Masters, 41-15, in the final 12 minutes of play.

Gabe Norwood led that fourth quarter assault, pouring 11 of his 14 points in that payoff period while Lowhorn added 9. Jericho Cruz had 7 of his 13 markers in the fourth, where Rain or Shine turned a 65-74 deficit after the third into a rout.

“Phoenix gave us a scare on the way to the fourth quarter. They’re a good team, it’s just their lack of experience, that’s where our advantage lies,” said head coach Yeng Guiao, whose team connected on triple after triple in the final frame.

“They were in striking distance but it’s just the experience of the team and the togetherness, we’ve been together for a really long time. I guess that’s what won us the game.”

JR Quiñahan finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists while Paul Lee wound up with 11 markers, 4 boards, and 3 dimes as the Painters improved to 1-1.

Norbert Torres topscored with 16 points and 8 rebounds for the Fuel Masters, who continued their slump early in the conference with 3 straight losses.

Prince Caperal and Ronjay Buenafe rounded out the double-figure scoring with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Phoenix failed to get much offense from its imports with Marcus Simmons going 3-of-11 from the field for 7 points with 11 rebounds in 30 minutes. Lee Gwan-hee likewise had only 7 points. – Rappler.com