Rain or Shine snaps two-game skid, eliminates Blackwater

Balanced scoring propelled Rain or Shine as it arrested its two-game losing skid and eliminated Blackwater from playoff contention with a convincing 116-97 victory in the 2022 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the PhilSports Arena. 

The win boosted the Elasto Painters' hopes of making it to the quarterfinals as they improved to 5-6, tying Phoenix Super LPG at seventh spot. Blackwater, meanwhile, was booted out after dropping to 3-9 behind a six-game losing slump. 

Four Rain or Shine players finished in double-digit scoring with Ryan Pearson leading the way with 22 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and a steal while Rey Nambatac provided the spark from the locals with his 21 markers, seven boards, and four dimes. 

Anton Asistio and Norbert Torres each finished with 13 points off the bench. 

Blackwater kept pace with Rain or Shine for most of the first half, which ended with the wards of head coach Yeng Guiao holding a 51-45 cushion. The Bossing even came close within four, 74-70, with two free throws from Jollo Go but Rain or Shine held on to end the third now up by 11, 82-71. 

The Elasto Painters' lead ballooned to 21 late in the fourth as they never looked back to take their fifth win. 

Cameron Krutwig led Blackwater with 23 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and one steal while Go chipped in 18 markers and two boards.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News