MANILA – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters unleashed a decisive fourth-quarter run to pull away from the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 91–80, and seize the solo lead in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
With the score tied heading into the final frame, the Painters leaned on a blistering offensive burst from Anton Asistio and Gian Mamuyac to open a commanding 80–71 advantage before sealing their fifth win in six outings.
Mamuyac led the charge with 22 points — 19 of which came in the second half — while Asistio drilled six triples en route to 20 markers. Jhonard Clarito and Adrian Nocum chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
“The energy we brought in the second half really made the difference,” Mamuyac said. “We just trusted each other and played our system.”
The victory, however, came at a cost as starting center Keith Datu suffered an apparent back injury following a hard fall midway through the third quarter. He did not return to the game.
Phoenix momentarily threatened to close in at 76–82 after Sean Manganti’s back-to-back hits, but Rain or Shine countered with timely conversions from Leonard Santillan, Nocum, and Mamuyac to put the game away.
Jason Perkins led the Fuel Masters with 17 points, while Manganti contributed 13 as Phoenix absorbed its fourth straight defeat for a 1–5 record.
In the first game, Titan Ultra Giant Risers (2–4) overcame a sluggish start to topple Blackwater Bossing (1–4), 97–86, behind Calvin Abueva’s double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds. Joshua Munzon added 18 markers, while Fran Yu, Aljun Melecio, and Von Pessumal combined for 35 points./PN
