Quinahan, Cruz lift Rain or Shine late past Blackwater

MANILA, Philippines – Big free throws by JR Quinahan and an easy layup by Jericho Cruz in the final minute sealed the win for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters over the Blackwater Elite, 98-92, on Friday, July 29, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The win improved the record of Rain or Shine to 2-1, while Blackwater slipped to 1-2 in the PBA Govenors’ Cup.

The Elasto Painters were led by the 20 points and 12 rebounds of import Dior Lowhorn, while Jeff Chan also added 20 points. Paul Lee and Quinahan pitched in 14 and 11 points off the bench, respectively.

The game looked sealed for Rain or Shine with 1:28 left after a pair of Lee free throws put it on top 93-86, but Blackwater rallied thanks to consecutive baskets by JP Erram and Carlo Lastimosa.

But with 33 seconds seconds left, Quinahan was fouled by Elite import Eric Dawson while taking a 3-pointer, and the big man converted all 3 charities to make it a 96-90 game.

After Reil Cervantes was unable to counter with a 3-ball of his own, Jericho Cruz was left open on the fastbreak and converted an easy basket to seal the game.

Dawson had 14 points, 25 rebounds, and 6 assists to lead Blackwater, which also received 20 points off the bench from Lastimosa.

Rain or Shine (98): Chan 20, Lowhorn 20, Lee 14, Quinahan 11, Cruz 9, Ponferada 6, Ahanmisi 5, Almazan 5, Belga 4, Norwood 4, Matias 0, Nimes 0

Blackwater (92): Lastimosa 20, Erram 16, Cervantes 15, Dawson 14, Cortez 10, Sumang 8, Pascual 5, Gamalinda 4, Canada 0, Dela Cruz 0, Qahwash 0, Sena 0

Quarter scores: 29-21, 52-43, 73-68, 98-92 – Rappler.com