Surging Rain or Shine shrugs off rust in dominant win vs. Blackwater

Streaking Rain or Shine didn't mind the rust after coming off a lengthy three-week break, pulling off a masterful 122-106 victory over Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday at PhilSports Arena. 

The Elasto Painters, who last saw action last December 22 against Terrafirma, once again flaunted their depth with plenty of heroes coming out to contribute to the victory as they extended their win streak to five for a 5-1 record.

The Bossing, meanwhile, absorbed their third straight loss to go 1-6

"My primary concern at the beginning is how sharp the guys are going to be coming off a three-week break. This is our first game in the New Year so medyo concerned ako kung paano nila lalaruin 'yung first game namin," Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said.

"We've had good practices but iba pa rin 'pag makita mo sa laro."

It was all Rain or Shine right from the start with the likes of import Deon Thompson, Santi Santillan, and Anton Asistio setting the tone for the Elasto Painters with the latter burying three triples in the first half  that they ended with a 56-47 lead. 

The rest of the squad just then made sure to get the job done. 

Adrian Nocum, who was only limited to just four points in the first half of action, caught fire in the second half after powering a personal 9-0 run that gave Rain or Shine an 87-70 cushion late in the third. 

Rain or Shine's hot shooting from deep allowed them to take a 94-77 cushion ahead of the fourth after Thompson knocked down one of his own to cap the third frame. 

Blackwater, which was coming off a pair of losses to San Miguel and TNT, tried to mount a comeback with Clifford Jopia completing a three-point play to cut the deficit to 11, 99-88.

But Rain or Shine had more than enough weapons in its arsenal with Nocum and Asistio conniving in the endgame to make it a 116-101 spread in the final 2:18. 

Thompson top-scored with 25 points together with 16 rebounds, four assists, and one block while Nocum finished with 22 markers, five boards, three steals, one dime, and one block. 

Santillan and Asistio tallied 20 and 18 points apiece as Tiongson, who appeared to hurt his left foot halfway through the third period, managed to end up with 11 points. 

Scores:

Rain or Shine 122 – Thompson 25, Nocum 22, Santillan 20, Asistio 18, Tiongson 11, Clarito 9, Demusis 8, Caracut 6, Ildefonso 1, Belga 0, Norwood 0, Lemetti 0, Escandor 0.

Blackwater 106 – King 35, Ayonayon 11, David 10, Chua 10, Escoto 9, Ponferrada 6, Suerte 6, Kwekuteye 5, Jopia 5, Hill 4, Casio 3, Corteza 2, Guinto 0.

Quarters: 39-25, 56-47, 94-79, 122-106.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News