MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters remained in the race for the top 4 with a 112-82 beating of the Alaska Aces in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Wednesday, September 20. 

The Elasto Painters zoomed to a 22-point lead going into the break behind J’Nathan Bullock and Beau Belga, who both scored 10 first half points, before ultimately breaking away in the third quarter where they led by as much as 37 points, 98-61.

“We needed a game like this. We still have a chance for the top 4. We started the first half pretty well that’s why go got a big lead and it was easy from then,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia. 

Rain or Shine showed its depth as 7 of its players scored 9 points and above with import J’Nathan Bullock leading the way with 14 points. 

“I like to get everybody on the same page. Hindi pwedeng nakafocus lang kami sa isang player (we cant just focus on one player),” Garcia added. 

Belga and Jericho Cruz combined for 24 points for Rain or Shine while Chris Tiu, who was named Player of the Game, had 9 points, 8 boards and 5 assists. 

LaDontate Henton paced the Aces with 20 points while Tony dela Cruz, who played his last PBA game, had 12 markers.

Rain or Shine improved to 6-4 and needs to win their last game against Blackwater Elite to bolster their campaign for a top 4 spot while Alaska ended its season with a 3-8 card. – Rappler.com

Scores: 

Rain or Shine (112): Bullock 14, Belga 12, Cruz 12, Trollano 11, Borboran 9, Robles 9, Tiu 9, Almazan 7, Yap 6, Ahanmisi 5, Daquioag 4, King 4, Matias 4, Maiquez 3, Norwood 3, Ponferada 0 

Alaska (82): Henton 20, dela Cruz 12, Enciso 9, Manuel 9, Pascual 8, Casio 5, Exciminiano 5, Baclao 4, Cruz 3, Galliguez 3, Hontiveros 2, Mendoza 2, Racal 0  

Quarter scores: 29-23, 63-41, 92-61, 112-82. – Rappler.com