Rain Or Shine holds on for the win, keeps Phoenix reeling

MANILA, Philippines – The Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters stopped the Phoenix Fuel Masters’ late comeback attempt to hold on to a 116-111 victory in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, September 13 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. 

The Elasto Painters enjoyed a 16-point cushion at the break as they were hot from beyond the arc, burying 11 triples in the first half alone. 

But the lead on the board would slowly diminish as Matthew Wright delivered a gallant fightback to put Phoenix within striking distance. His perfect charities gave the Fuel Masters their first lead of the game, 69-67, halfway through the third frame. 

The Elasto Painters quickened the pace to start the final quarter, and they continued on with the outside shooting party to establish a 110-103 lead at the 3-minute mark that helped stave off the gritty Phoenix squad. 

J’Nathan Bullock had a fantastic start when he dished out 17 of Rain Or Shine’s 24 quick markers in the first period. He finished with 33 points, including 7 treys, to go with 8 rebounds and 4 assists. 

Raymond Almazan likewise registered a double-double of 25 markers and 11 rebounds, while Gabe Norwood scored 17 coupled with 6 boards off the bench.

Wright anchored the Fuel Masters’ defense in the second half, and wound up with a game-high 36 points on 60% shooting from the field as well as 7 rebounds. He had support from reinforcement Brandon Brown, who added a double-double of his own with 33 points and 20 boards. 

With the bounce back win, Rain Or Shine now moves up to a 5-3 slate. Meanwhile, the Fuel Masters, who are now out of playoff contention, have yet to break an 8-game slide with a 2-8 record in the season-ending conference.

Scores:

ROS (116) – Bullock 33, Almazan 25, Norwood 17, Cruz 14, Yap 9, Borboran 7, Tiu 6, Ahanmisi 5, Trollano 0, Belga 0, Matias 0.

Phoenix (111) – Wright 36, Brown 33, Jazul 9, Wilson W. 8, Kramer 8, Intal 7, Chan 6, Lanete 2, Eriobu 2, Alolino 0, Miranda 0, Dehesa 0.

Quarter scores: 24-18, 61-45, 85-84, 116-111. – Rappler.com