Rain or Shine improves to 2-0 at expense of Terrafirma

Rey Nambatac shines in latest Rain or Shine win. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine notched its second straight win after holding off Terrafirma, 91-82, in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday at Angeles University Foundation.

The Elasto Painters joined Phoenix, TNT, and Barangay Ginebra with early perfect 2-0 records while the Dyip dropped to 0-2.

Unchallenged for much of the game, the only time Rain or Shine was under threat was midway through the fourth when the Dyip mounted a 10-0 run to get within six, 82-76, after Aldrech Ramos’ layup with 3:28 left.

Rey Nambatac, however, stopped the offensive sprint with a deep three from the right wing for the Elasto Painters’ 85-76 buffer.

Gabe Norwood then stole CJ Perez’ pass for an easy layup giving Rain or Shine an 87-76 lead with 1:52 to play.

“Most of the teams are trying to get into game shape, we’re lucky we’re 2-0 but we can’t be complacent about it,” said Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia. “We just have to prepare and we hope the other players off the bench can produce also.”

Nambatac led the Elasto Painters’ offense with 19 points with two steals while Javee Mocon added a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Norwood, meanwhile, put up 14 points of his own while grabbing six boards and dishing out four dimes off Rain or Shine’s bench.

Perez finished with a game-high 26 points with 10 rebounds, six assists, five steals, and two blocks for the Dyip.