Belo explodes as Blackwater earns first win at expense of Rain or Shine

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Blackwater used a late-game surge to dispatch Rain or Shine, 92-87, for its first win in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday at Cuneta Astrodome.

The Elite tied the Elasto Painters’ record of 1-1.

Mac Belo exploded for 25 points on 5-of-9 shooting for three that went along with seven rebounds.

Blackwater went on a 13-5 run late in the fourth with Belo capping off the spurt with a triple from the left wing that gave the Elite a 90-85 with 1:39 left in the game.

“Our defense needed to contain the firepower of Rain or Shine, and we needed to contain the shooters while we were able to convert on our side,” said Elite head coach Leo Isaac whose team broke an 11-game losing streak to the Elasto Painters.

“We’re hoping we could get a good new year, and with this win we hope it could boost our campaign in the All Filipino.”

After Chris Tiu’s triple gave Rain or Shine a 72-67 lead early in the fourth, the Elasto Painters suddenly turned pale in the latter stages of the game failing to make a single field goal in the last 1:51.

Mike Digregorio also had big numbers for Blackwater with 23 points, four assists, and two steals while Allein Maliksi had 10 points and 10 boards.

Chris Tiu paced Rain or Shine with 14 points and four assists.