RAIN or Shine set aside its internal problem and put together its first winning streak in the PBA Philippine Cup after turning back Meralco, 90-84, Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Chris Tiu scored six of the Elasto Painters' last nine points in the endgame to put away the hard-fighting Bolts and secure the team's back-to-back win for a 4-3 (win-loss) record.
Tiu topscored with 18 points, including 13 in the payoff period, to pace Rain or Shine, which just a few days ago had three of its players in Raymund Almazan, Beau Belga, and Jericho Cruz, reportedly sought to be traded to other teams.
Coach Caloy Garcia later said he's in good terms with his players, who he advised before the game to 'be professional' and just focus on playing.
"Sinabi ko sa mga players na we just have to be professional about it and put every effort into the game," said the Rain or Shine mentor.
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"At the end of the day, I'm so happy that they came out today and play hard."
Sophomore guard Ed Daquioag complemented Tiu by torching his former team for 16 points, all in the first half, while Belga and two-time MVP James Yap had 13 and 11, respectively.
Belga completed a double-double by grabbing 13 rebounds.
"It's more of a challenge siguro on my side to try to get these players motivated," added Garcia.
Meralco lost its fifth game in seven outings despite getting 24 points from KG Canaleta on 6-of-15 shooting from three-point range.
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To the Bolts' credit, they kept the game close majority of the way and had the score tied at 79-79 following a three-pointer by Reynel Hugnatan inside the final four minutes.
But a timely block by Mark Borboran on Canaleta led to a bank shot at the other end by the veteran forward from University of the East that sparked six unanswered points by the Elasto Painters for an 85-79 lead with 1:19 to go.
Hugnatan was the only other player in double figures for Meralco with 13 points. (RG)
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 90 - Tiu 18, Daquioag 16, Belga 13, Yap 11, Ahanmisi 9, Ponferada 6, Almazan 6, Borboran 4, Norwood 3, Cruz 2, Nambatac 2.
MERALCO 84 - Canaleta 24, Hugnatan 13, Amer 8, Lanete 8, Dillinger 7, Newsome 5, Hodge 4, Caram 4, Baracael 4, Faundo 4, Tolomia 3, Salva 0, Ballesteros 0.
Quarter scores: 26-21, 45-39, 65-66, 90-84.
