MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters finally got one over Barangay Ginebra.

Rain or Shine ended a 4-game losing streak to Ginebra dating back to last season with a rousing 108-89 triumph in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, April 29.

Raymond Almazan finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds and two blocks to lead 5 other players in double figures as the Elasto Painters rolled on to their second win in as many outings. 

Ed Daquioag chipped in 17 points while import Reggie Johnson submitted a double-double of 16 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks for Rain or Shine, which swung a 27-16 first-quarter lead to as much as 21 points. 

Ginebra trimmed its deficit to just 8 points early in the 4th quarter off an LA Tenorio triple, 67-75, but Rain or Shine restored order by scoring 9 straight points. 

The Elasto Painters also drew strength from James Yap, who had 13 points, and Maverick Ahanmisi and Chris Tiu, who combined for 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

“Finally, tinalo na rin namin ang Ginebra. Well, I think the only advantage we had today was their import was sick the day before the game, so he couldn’t practice,” said Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia.

“And ‘yun, I credit the game to the players because they came out hard, they played well, then I told the import about sharing the ball.”

Japeth Aguilar paced Ginebra, which played its first game of the conference, with 28 points and 12 rebounds while import Charles Garcia chalked up 19 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds.

The Gin Kings played without star center Greg Slaughter, who is nursing an ankle injury, and Jervy Cruz and Paolo Taha. 

The Scores:

Rain or Shine (108): Almazan 20, Daquioag 17, Johnson 16, Yap 13, Ahanmisi 10, Belga 7, Norwood 5, Onwubere 3, Washington 3, Casiño 2, Ponferada 2, Borboran 0, Matias 0, Torres 0

Ginebra (89): J. Aguilar 28, Garcia 19, Tenorio 13, Devance 11, Mercado 7, Ferrer 3, Thompson 3, Caguioa 2, Mariano 2, Caperal 1, R. Aguilar 0

Quarter scores: 27-16, 49-34, 75-64, 108-89

– Rappler.com