Rain or Shine finally got over the hump at the expense of struggling Blackwater, 82-71, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Sunday, November 8.

Javee Mocon broke out of his offensive funk with 19 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks as the Elasto Painters ended a three-game losing streak to raise their record to 5-4.

Rain or Shine forced a four-way logjam with San Miguel, Meralco, and Magnolia at the No. 5 spot.

Scoring just 13 points over the last 3 games combined, Mocon asserted himself with his first double-double in nearly a month, leading the Elasto Painters after the exit of Rey Nambatac.

Nambatac finished with 5 points and 4 rebounds before leaving the court midway through the first half due to an ankle injury.

Still, Rain or Shine dominated despite losing one of its top scorers, leading by as many as 20 points in the final quarter and never allowing Blackwater to get any momentum.

Beau Belga backstopped Mocon with 14 points and 5 rebounds, while Ryan Araña and Clint Doliguez fired 8 points apiece.

Mac Belo pumped in 15 points and 8 rebounds for the Elite, who crashed to their fifth straight loss as they remained at 10th place with a 2-7 card.

Roi Sumang flirted with a triple-double in the loss with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, KG Cañaleta had another 11 points, while Richard Escoto added 10 points.

The Scores

Rain or Shine 82 – Mocon 19, Belga 14, Arana 8, Doliguez 8, Borboran 7, Norwood 7, Onwubere 5, Wong 5, Nambatac 5, Ponferada 0, Rivero 0, Rosales 0.

Blackwater 71 – Belo 15, Sumang 11, Canaleta 11, Escoto 10, Tolomia 4, Gabriel 4, Dario 3, Salem 3, Dennison 3, Daquioag 2, Golla 2, Magat 2, Trollano 1, Shaw 0.

Quarters: 16-20, 38-34, 63-45, 82- 71.

– Rappler.com