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MANILA, Philippines—Cashing in on its lessons from narrow, gut-wrenching losses, Rain or Shine finally got back on track on Saturday, warding off NLEX, 96-86, in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters snapped a six-game slide and stayed in the hunt for a quarterfinal berth behind six players finishing in double figures.
“Lots of sleepless nights,” said coach Chris Gavina, whose charges improved to 2-6.
“I’m sure it’s not just me. These past six losses have not represented us well. But these guys really just stayed together.”
Leonard Santillan had 18 points and six rebounds while Gian Mamuyac tossed in 15 more for the Painters who were coming off four straight close outings losing by just an average of 4.5 points.
Norbert Torres added 13, Rey Nambatac 12 while veterans Gabe Norwood and Beau Belga 10 each for the club which still has three more teams to play in its elimination round schedule.
Don Trollano had 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Calvin Oftana 17 and nine in the losing stand that had NLEX dropping to 4-5.
The Road Warriors will try to regain its bearings against a resurgent Blackwater and a desperate NorthPort.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 96 – Santillan 18, Mamuyac 15, Torres 13, Nambatac 12, Norwood 10, Belga 10, Nieto 6, Ildefonso 5, Borboran 3, Asistio 2, Demusis 2.
NLEX 86 – Trollano 20, Oftana 17, Alas 15, Chua 14, Quinahan 11, Semerad 5, Rosales 2, Ighalo 2, Magat 0
Quarterscores: 28-15, 53-36, 75-54, 96-86.