Jericho Cruz topscores once again for the Elastopainters. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Rain or Shine ran away in the fourth quarter and dealt Barako Bull a 110-104 beating on Friday to force a tie for the second spot in the 2016 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters turned a close 76-71 affair to a rout with a scathing 20-7 run to open the fourth period. The lead by 18, 96-78 midway in the payoff period.
The Energy still had one last fight in them as they crawled back to as close as six in the last two minutes, but time was not on Barako Bull’s side as Rain or Shine improved to 5-1, tying San Miguel at the number two spot.
“We could’ve finished the game a little bit more intelligently. We had some bad or stupid decisions in the end game, but it’s a won game and it ties us at second place,” said coach Yeng Guiao. “We’ll try to keep our momentum going in case we get the chance to make the top two.”
Jericho Cruz topped Rain or Shine’s scoring with 19 points, 12 coming in the third frame while Jewel Ponferrada nabbed career-highs with 18 markers and 13 rebounds.
Jeff Chan poured 11 of his points 18 in the fourth quarter pullaway, as he also had eight boards and four assists.
Rain or Shine punished Barako Bull in the glass, outrebounding the Energy, 70-55.
RR Garcia led Barako Bull with 23 points, as Willy Wilson got a huge 21-point, 19-rebound performance in the defeat.
Josh Urbiztondo also had 16 points, as the Energy fell to 3-4.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 110 – Cruz 19, Chan 18, Ponferrada 18, Norwood 13, Ahanmisi 11, Almazan 8, Belga 6, Quinahan 5, Teng 4, Tiu 4, Nimes 2, Trollano 2, Ibanes 0, Matias 0.
BARAKO 104 – Garcia 23, Wilson 21, Urbiztondo 16, Monfort 9, Pennisi 8, Intal 7, Lanete 7, Miranda 7, Fortuna 6, Baracael 0, Brondial 0, Sorongon 0.
Quarters: 24-20, 49-41, 76-71, 110-104.