Mocon, Rain or Shine bounce back with rout of Blackwater

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MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine used a big third quarter to beat Blackwater, 82-71, and get back on track in the PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at AUF Sports Arena & Cultural Center in Angeles, Pampanga.

Javee Mocon redeemed himself just less than 24 hours removed from a horrible shooting night in Rain or Shine’s 70-62 loss to Magnolia with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

“Rey (Nambatac) got injured and we needed that spark and everybody had to step up,” said Mocon, who scored just three points on 1-of-9 shooting from the field against the Hotshots.

Rey Nambatac, a vital piece for the Elasto Painters, played only nine minutes as he hurt his right ankle when he landed on the foot of Elite forward Niño Canaleta at the 11:45 mark of the second quarter.

Up by just four at the half, Rain or Shine outscored Blackwater, 25-9, in the third quarter as the Elite never got within striking distance.

Beau Belga added 14 points and five rebounds for the Painters, who stopped a three-game skid and created a four-way tie in fifth place at 5-4.

Mac Belo had 15 points and eight rebounds for Blackwater, which suffered its sixth straight loss for a 2-7 card.