By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Rain or Shine Elasto Painters won their fourth game in the PBA Philippine Cup in five outings after beating the debuting Alaska Aces, 85-72, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Showing firmer footing throughout the contest, the Elasto Painters channelled the handful and made it a long night for the undermanned Aces, who played their first game in the season-opening Philippine Basketball Association tournament.
The win improved Rain or Shine to 4-1, good for solo second place.
The contest got off to a tight start, with the two teams fighting to a tied count of 12-all at the 6:49 mark of the opening quarter.
Rain or Shine though would outscore Alaska, 9-2, in the next five minutes to take a 21-14 lead before settling with a 25-14 advantage after the first 12 minutes.
In the second quarter, guard Ping Exciminiano tried to tow the Aces back in the contest, pushing his team to within six points, 28-22, in the first three minutes of the frame.
The Elasto Painters, however, were collectively quick to extinguish the rally, fashioning out a 10-0 counter to stretch their lead to 16 points, 38-22, by the 6:39 mark.
They would continue to hold a safe distance the rest of the way en route to a 48-30 advantage at the half.
Alaska showed no let-up in attempting to make a comeback at the start of the third period, with Jeron Teng and Chris Banchero leading the way.
But much like what they did in the previous quarters, the Elasto Painters found ways to retaliate with Maverick Ahanmisi and rookie Javee Mocon on the lead.
Rain or Shine was up, 64-51, heading into the final quarter.
The two teams jostled to begin the fourth quarter, looking to exert their control over the match.
The Aces cut down their deficit to 14 points several times, not gaining much headway though after that.
The score was at 83-64 in favor of Rain or Shine with two minutes remaining on the clock and it never looked back from there.
Rey Nambatac led a balanced attack by the Elasto Painters with 12 points with veteran Beau Belga having an all-around game of 11 points, six rebounds and five assists.
James Yap had nine points with Mr. Ahanmisi adding eight points and 14 rebounds.
Mr. Mocon only had five points but had 11 rebounds.
Mr. Teng showed the way with 15 points for Alaska, which played sans key stalwarts Vic Manuel, Simon Enciso, JVee Casio and Kevin Racal due to various injuries.
Jake Pascual added 12 points for the Aces and Mr. Banchero 11 markers.
“We just played aggressive throughout the match and it made a difference. We have been playing a lot games of late but I think it has helped us to stay in shape and now we are at 4-1,” said Mr. Nambatac, named player of the game, after their win.
Rain or Shine returns on Feb. 8 against the Northport Batang Pier while Alaska plays its second game on Feb. 6 versus Columbian Dyip.

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