PBA: Rain or Shine picks up 2nd win after beating NLEX

MANILA, Philippines–Rain or Shine rolled up its sleeves in the fourth period and went to work until the final horn on Friday to pull out a 113-101 victory over NLEX in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Elastopainters rode the hot hands of Rey Nambatac, Santi Santillan, and returning rookie Kieth Datu down the stretch to pull through and annex a second victory after breaking through over Blackwater five days ago.

“We should be getting better. We’re now giving ourselves a chance to make the next round,” coach Yeng Guiao said in the post-game presser at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Datu scored nine of his total 11 points in that pullaway, while Nambatac eight of his eventual 14 to help preserve the efforts of import Tree Treadwell, who put up 23 points and 18 rebounds–both team-bests.

“Two wins a row should put us in a tough position. We have a tough game in Cagayan de Oro but we’re in a good place to challenge Magnolia,” said Guiao whose side improved to 2-5 in the race.

NLEX got the goods from import Stokley Chaffee Jr., who finished with 32 points, and Don Trollano who led all locals with 21. Kris Rosales added 13 points while Mike Nieto 11 into the scoring effort that saw the Road Warriors slide into their third-straight defeat.

Frankie Lim and his charges dropped to 2-5 and will battle corporate sibling TNT this coming Wednesday.

The Scores:

RAIN OR SHINE 113 – Treadwell 23, Belga 14, Caracut 12, Nambatac 12, Datu 11, Santillan 9, Borboran 7, Nocum 7, Clarito 5, Mamuyac 4, Norwood 4, Asistio 3, Demusis 2.

NLEX 101 – Chaffee 32, Trollano 21, Rosales 13, Nieto 11, Herndon 9, Anthony 8, Ganuelas-Rosser 7, Rodger 0, Miranda 0, Valdez 0, Nermal 0, Semerad 0.

Quarterscores: 22-31, 54-60, 84-84, 113-101