Rey Nambatac and Rain or Shine sustained their red-hot start in the PBA Philippine Cup with a 71-62 win over Blackwater at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Sunday, July 18.

Nambatac netted 21 points and 12 rebounds as the Elasto Painters won their second straight game to begin the conference for a share of an early lead in the standings with Meralco, which also totes a 2-0 card.

The Elite trailed by just 10 points midway through the third quarter until Nambatac sank 4 straight foul shots to spark a 9-0 run that stretched the Rain or Shine lead to 61-42.

Blackwater mounted a comeback late in the final quarter but the Elasto Painters built a lead enough to clinch the win.

Norbert Torres chimed in 13 points and 5 rebounds, Javee Mocon had 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Beau Belga added 8 points and 10 rebounds for Rain or Shine.

The Elasto Painters remained unbeaten even without veteran guard James Yap, who was still recovering from minor knee surgery.

Kelly Nabong chalked up 18 points and 7 rebounds for the Elite, who have yet to notch a win after two games.

Ed Daquioag wound up as the only other Blackwater player in double figures with 10 points.

The Scores

Rain or Shine 71 – Nambatac 21, Torres 13, Mocon 12, Belga 8, Borboran 4, Santillan 4, Asistio 3, Guinto 2, Norwood 2, Ponferada 2, Wong 0, Rivero 0, Tolentino 0, Caracut 0, Yap 0.

Blackwater 62 – Nabong 18, Daquioag 10, Enciso 7, Canaleta 6, Amer 6, Magat 4, Desiderio 4, Paras 2, Torralba 2, Escoto 2, Semerad 1, Dennison 0, Golla 0, Tolomia 0, Acuno 0.

Quarters: 19-14, 35-24, 61-45, 71-62.

– Rappler.com