Rain or Shine E-Painters Outlast Resilient Blackwater Bossing in High-Scoring Duel at Antipolo

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by Cristian Andal

Rain or Shine's Keith Datu.
Rain or Shine's Keith Datu. Photo: PBA Images.

Rain or Shine reminded everyone why they’re one of the most disciplined and well-coached squads in the league, grinding out a 110–100 victory over a gritty Blackwater side in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

It wasn’t a walk in the park. The Elasto Painters saw their early 19-point lead disappear before regaining their composure in the final stretch, thanks to a fiery 17–5 closing run that sealed their second win in three outings (2–1).

Leading the charge was Keith Datu, who posted 20 points and 8 rebounds, while the supporting trio of Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, and Anton Asistio stepped up when it mattered most. Their energy and hustle down the stretch helped Rain or Shine shrug off the sting of their previous loss to San Miguel Beer.

“Coming off that loss, we wanted to return to our roots, moving the ball, setting good screens, doing the little things,” Datu said, his maturity showing beyond his years.

Rain or Shine's Adrian Nocum (1) goes for a layup against Blackwater.
Rain or Shine's Adrian Nocum (1) goes for a layup against Blackwater. Photo: PBA Images.

But credit to Blackwater, who refused to fold. The Bossing clawed back from a double-digit hole, even storming ahead 77–71 entering the fourth quarter behind a spirited third-quarter rally. Richard Escoto led with 20 points, rookie Jack Cruz-Dumont impressed with a career-high 19, while Christian David and Sedrick Barefield chipped in 18 and 15, respectively.

Blackwater’s energy and pace stunned Rain or Shine midway through the game, but the E-Painters’ experience and poise eventually took over. Gian Mamuyac and Leonard Malonzo ignited a momentum-swinging 14–2 run to open the final frame, before Clarito and Nocum put the finishing touches on the victory.

The Bossing had no answer for Rain or Shine’s balanced attack and crisp ball movement in the endgame, as the E-Painters reasserted control and never looked back.

“We had a lead, we lost it, and we battled back,” Datu added. “It just shows our character as a team.”

For head coach Yeng Guiao, it was exactly the kind of bounce-back win they needed. A gritty, collective effort that reminded fans of what Rain or Shine basketball is all about: heart, hustle, and execution under pressure.

The Scores:

Rain or Shine 110 - Datu 20, Nocum 17, Clarito 16, Mamuyac 13, Asistio 8, Malonzo 8, Santillan 7, Lemetti 5, Belga 5, Porter 4, Norwood 3, Caracut 2, Ildefonso 2.

Blackwater 100 - Escoto 20, Dumont 19, David 18, Barefield 15, Zamar 7, Tratter 5, Panopio 4, Mendoza 4, Guinto 3, Jopia 3, Andrade 2, Murrell 0.

Quarterscores: 27-17, 55-41, 71-77, 110-100