PBA: Rain or Shine adds to Meralco’s woes with bounce back win

Rain or Shine’s Gian Mamuyac. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Rain or Shine took advantage of Meralco’s bad breaks and produced a 113-96 victory that ended a two-game slide on Saturday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Former Ateneo standouts Gian Mamuyac and Mike Nieto scored 21 points apiece to back up the 22-point effort of the returning import Steve Taylor Jr. as Rain or Shine got back to its winning ways after losses to San Miguel Beer and TNT.

The Elasto Painters, who are now at 3-3, continued the woes of the Bolts side that is still without Chris Newsome and losing Aaron Black in the second half after being elbowed in the eye by Rey Nambatac.

“The chips just fell on our side,” said Guiao after the win that started a crucial stretch for Rain or Shine.

Next is streaking Phoenix on Wednesday and Magnolia the following Saturday, both at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Meralco dropped to 1-5 that continued its unusual struggle to begin an import-laced conference.

Meralco guard @aaronblack_8 stretchered off Philsports Arena after catching an inadvertent elbow from @NambatacRey6.

Bolts trailing the Painters going into the final period, 89-77. | @sonrdINQ pic.twitter.com/x9zcFAFy3Q

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 22, 2022

Johnny O’Bryant, already given an ultimatum by coach Norman Black to perform better, had 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks.

The Bolts actually led by eight twice in the first half, before Mamuyac sparked a run that eventually put the Elasto Painters ahead 57-50 at the break.

The scores:

RAIN OR SHINE 113 — Taylor Jr. 22, Mamuyac 21, Nieto 21, Caracut 10, Nambatac 10, Asistio 9, Torres 8, Belga 6, Santillan 4, Ponferrada 2, Borboran 0, Norwood 0.

MERALCO 96 — O’Bryant 30, Almazan 20, Quinto 19, Caram 14, Maliksi 7, Black 4, Banchero 2, Hodge 0, Pasaol 0, Pascual 0.

Quarters: 26-34, 57-50, 89-77, 113-96.