Steve Taylor posts 20-16 as Rain or Shine ekes out win against NorthPort

Rain or Shine import Steve Taylor, Jr.  posted 20 points and 16 rebounds as the Elasto Painters eked out a win against NorthPort Batang Pier, 76-75, on Friday in the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

The Elasto Painters led by eight, 69-61, early in the fourth period before NorthPort took a one-point lead with 4:14 left. It was a neck-and-neck affair since then, with Taylor making a layup with 18 ticks remaining which sealed the deal for Rain or Shine.

Asistio led the locals for Rain or Shine with 12 points, while Santi Santillan had 10 points in the win as the Elasto Painters improved to 4-4.

Robert Bolick had 18 points, while Will Navarro registered a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. NorthPort import Prince Ibeh had 11 rebounds and 10 points in the loss which brought them down to 3-5.

Rain or Shine will face the Bay Area Dragons on November 11 while NorthPort will go against the NLEX Road Warriors on November 9.

The scores:

Rain or Shine 76 – Taylor Jr. 20, Asistio 12, Santillan 10, Torres 7, Mamuyac 7, Norwood 5, Nieto 5, Nambatac 4, Demusis 2, Caracut 2, Ildefonso 2, Borboran 0, Ponferrada 0, Belga 0.

NorthPort 75 – Bolick 18, Navarro 13, Ferrer 12, Ibeh 10, Sumang 8, Chan 8, Balanza 2, Tolentino 2, Dela Cruz 2, Taha 0, Calma 0, Caperal 0, Ayaay 0, Salado 0.

Quarters: 21-23, 41-32, 61-57, 76-75.

—JMB, GMA News