Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Columbian was the only team Rain or Shine did not beat last season.
The Dyip on Wednesday reasserted their mastery over the Elasto Painters after an 85-82 win in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We just had to bounce back after losing to Blackwater. I told my players that loss to Blackwater should be enough,” said Columbian coach Johnedel Cardel in Filipino.
Columbian looked like it was on its way to another setback after falling behind by 16 early and blowing a nine-point lead in the third quarter.
Fortunately for the Dyip, the Painters couldn’t capitalize on their chances down the stretch when they went scoreless in the last two minutes and six seconds after Gabe Norwood cut the deficit to one, 82-83.
“We had a bad start and I told the boys we have to regroup. We started on the defensive end,” Cardel said. “Jack Corpuz had a good game, the rookies responded and they teamed up with the veterans.”
Jackson Corpuz scored six of his 12 points in the fourth period and also had eight rebounds and three blocks while rookie CJ Perez had 11 points, 11 rebounds and two steals. Rashawn McCarthy finished with 22 points to lead Columbian.
The Dyip boosted their quarterfinals chances with their fourth win in nine games while also dealing the Painters their second straight loss.
Mark Borboran had 21 points while rookie Javee Mocon just missed a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds for Rain or Shine (7-3). James Yap also shot 12 points but missed a potential game-tying triple as time ran out.