Yap, Almazan lead Rain or Shine past Blackater

FITTING IN. James Yap plays well as Rain or Shine picks up a win. Photo from PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – Solid performances from veteran James Yap and big man Raymond Almazan lifted the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to their third win of the PBA Philippine Cup, this time against the Blackwater Elite, 107-93, on Friday, December 9, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Yap was one of 5 Rain or Shine players who scored in double-figures, registering 15 points to go with 5 rebounds, while Raymond Almazan scored 14 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as the Elasto Painters moved up to 3-1 in the standings.

Blackwater, which has lost two straight games after going 2-0 to start the conference, was again led by rookie Mac Belo who scored 13 points on 6-of-16 shooting and had 9 rebounds. Art Dela Cruz pitched in with 12 points and 7 boards.

After coming out flat in the first period, Rain or Shine out-scored Blackwater by 19 in the second and third periods to take control of the game and hold on for the victory.

The Elasto Painters shot 50% from the field, including an impressive 13-of-26 display from deep. Rain or Shine also out-rebounded Blackwater, 50-41, and shared the basketball with 23 assists.

Scores:

Rain or Shine (107): Yap 15, Almazan 14, Ponferada 13, Chan 11, Trollano 11, Norwood 9, Ahanmisi 8, Belga 8, Washington 7, Cruz 6, Tolomia 5, Ibanes 0, Matias 0

Blackwater (93): Aguilar 15, Belo 13, Dela Cruz 12, Sena 12, Buenafe 11, Pascual 8, Gamalinda 7, Pinto 6, Cervantes 4, Miranda 3, Ababou 2, Banal 0, Forrester 0, Perez 0

Quarter scores: 16-19, 46-39, 75-59, 107-93 – Rappler.com