Washington, Taggart lift Rain or Shine over Blackwater

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ANTIPOLO—Jay Washington came alive late and preserved Rain or Shine’s unbeaten run with a 95-88 victory over Blackwater Sunday in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Ynares Center here.

The veteran forward nailed back-to-back treys in the last 2:45 to give the Elasto Painters a 93-88 lead as the Elite struggled to execute late in the game.

Washington capped his clutch night with a huge block on Greg Smith.

Shawn Taggart topped the Elasto Painters with 26 markers and 12 boards, while Maverick Ahanmisi had 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists off the bench.

Jericho Cruz added 12 markers, four boards, and four assists, including the game-sealing steal and layup to end Blackwater’s late rally.

Still, ROS coach Caloy Garcia remains unsatisfied with the way Rain or Shine played as it fought from behind all game long.

“We can’t be happy with the way we’re playing. I think we can still do better especially on execution,” he said.

The Elasto Painters remained on top of the standings with a 3-0 record.

Smith led Blackwater with 34 points and 20 rebounds, but his herculean effort fell short as his side dropped its third straight game.

Reil Cervantes chipped in 12 markers, while Kyle Pascual had 10 points and six boards.

The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 95 – Taggart 26, Ahanmisi 12, Cruz 12, Yap 11, Belga 9, Chan 8, Tiu 8, Washington 6, Norwood 2, Ponferrada 1, Almazan 0.

BLACKWATER 88 – Smith 34, Cervantes 12, Pascual 10, Belo 7, Buenafe 7, Pinto 7, Sena 6, Sumang 3, Aguilar 2, DiGregorio 0, Forrester 0, Gamalinda 0, Miranda 0.

Quarters: 26-29, 44-47, 68-70, 95-88.