Huge 4th quarter run lifts Rain or Shine past pesky Phoenix

Rain or Shine import Dior Lowhorn. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Rain or Shine needed a blistering run in the fourth quarter to beat Phoenix, 106-89, for its first win in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Down nine to start the fourth quarter, the Elasto Painters took less than six minutes to take the lead for good, 88-85, on a three-pointer by Gabe Norwood.

“Phoenix gave us a scare all the way to the fourth quarter. They’re a good team, it’s just that they lack the experience to that’s where our advantage lies,” said ROS head coach Yeng Guiao.

“Phoenix is going to be a strong team. One of these days, they’re not going to fall apart and they’re going to beat the good teams in this league. It’s part of the growing process of a good team.”

The Painters went on a 17-0 run to put the game away, 100-85, with 2:37 left after trailing by as much as 11 late in the third quarter.

Dior Lowhorn posted a double-double with 26 points and 14 rebounds while Norwood added 14 on 4-of-4 shooting from the three-point area, including 11 in the fourth quarter.

Lowhorn and Norwood alone outscored the Fuel Masters in the fourth period, 20-15.

“We’re trying to make the semifinals again, hopefully. That’s the minimum objective to make the semifinals for the 10th straight time but it’s getting harder and harder.”

Phoenix import Marcus Simmons had woeful outing, finishing with measly seven points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field.

Norbert Torres had 16 points to pace the Fuel Masters, who dropped to 0-3.