MANILA, Philippines–Streaking Rain or Shine put a stop to Magnolia’s unbeaten run in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after grinding out a 113-110 out-of-town win on Saturday in Cagayan de Oro City.
Santi Santillan hit a go-ahead three off a kickoff pass by import Demetrius Treadwell with over a minute left while the Elasto Painters made stops down the stretch to emerge victorious at Aquilino Pimentel Jr. International Convention Center.
It was the third straight triumph for Rain or Shine after starting the conference with five straight defeats, all coming after Treadwell replaced Dajuan Summers.
Treadwell had 30 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists, perhaps his best performance in four games with the team.
Three others scored in double figures, namely Andrei Caracut with 15 points plus six assists, rookie Keith Datu 14 points on a perfect 4-of-4 from rainbow land and Santillan 11 points.
Magnolia lost after starting the conference at 7-0, but maintained its hold on the top spot in the standings and has also secured a quarterfinals berth.
It was the Hotshots’ first defeat since the quarterfinals of last season’s Governors’ Cup as they racked up 18 straight wins, including the PBA On Tour which was an exhibition offseason series.
Those wins in the On Tour do not count in the PBA’s official statistics.
The Elasto Painters were actually down 108-104 after Mark Barroca made back-to-back baskets to complete a run of 10 consecutive points.
Datu knocked down a three, then Treadwell found Santillan open at the right corner for the go-ahead trey for 110-108 Rain or Shine lead, time down to 1:19.
Magnolia went empty-handed in its next two possessions as Rain or Shine made half of six free throws sandwiched by a quick dunk by import Tyler Bey for the 113-110 scoreline.
Bey handed the ball to Aris Dionisio, but confusion denied Magnolia an attempt to attempt a game-tying three as time expired.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 113–Treadwell 30, Caracut 15, Datu 14, Santillan 11, Norwood 9, Asistio 8, Belga 7, Nambatac 5, Mamuyac 5, Nocum 4, Demusis 3, Borboran 2, Clarito 0, Yap 0.
MAGNOLIA 110–Bey 30, Lee 22, Barroca 20, Jalalon 13, Laput 7, Escoto 5, Tratter 4, Sangalang 4, Mendoza 3, Reavis 2, Ahanmisi 0, Dela Rosa 0, Eriobu 0, Dionisio 0.
Quarters: 24-22, 57-45, 82-81, 113-110.