Rain or Shine's Anton Asistio in action against Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, October 26, 2025 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. PBA Media
MANILA -- Anton Asistio knocked down four pressure-packed free throws with 2.1 seconds to go to put the finishing touches on Rain or Shine's 112-111 come-from-behind win against Titan Ultra, Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Elasto Painters trailed by double digits in the fourth quarter but crawled their way back behind the hot shooting of Santi Santillan, before Asistio stepped up in the end game to complete their comeback.
With the result, Rain or Shine improved to 3-1 in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, forcing a four-way tie for first place along with TNT, Converge, and Magnolia.
Titan looked poised to hold on for their second win after Joshua Munzon's split at the line gave them a 110-108 lead with 14 seconds to go, and Jhonard Clarito missed a good look on the other end.
The Elasto Painters sent Kobe Bryan Monje to the line, where he also made just one of two charities to keep the door open for Rain or Shine, 111-108.
The Giant Risers' missed free throws proved costly, as Munzon committed a foul on Asistio who put up a shot beyond the four-point line. The former Ateneo guard coolly made all four charities, putting the Elasto Painters ahead, 112-111, with just 2.1 seconds to go.
"Hindi na [ako nagulat]," Santillan said of his teammate's clutch heroics. "Alam naming pina-practice niya ang mga free throws niya."
Titan Ultra had one last chance to steal the win, but Calvin Abueva's floater hit the back of the rim as time expired.
Rain or Shine's Santi Santillan puts up a shot against Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, October 26, 2025 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. PBA Media
Santillan earned Player of the Game honors after putting up 21 points and grabbing nine rebounds, while Rence Nocum scored 24 points before fouling out late. Asistio contributed 11 points, and veteran Gabe Norwood finished with a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double.
The Elasto Painters outscored the Giant Risers 31-19 in the fourth quarter, with Santillan scoring 13 points in the pivotal frame built on four three-pointers.
"Noong first half talaga medyo gigil ako, nakuha ko 'yung four fouls tapos 'di pumapasok ang mga tira ko," he said. "Sa mga second half naging relaxed lang ako at buti naman pumasok ang mga tira ko."
It was a sorry loss for Titan Ultra, who dropped to 1-4 in their maiden conference in the league.
Abueva led all scorers with 31 points on top of his 18 boards, while Munzon came close to a triple-double with 15 points, 13 boards and eight assists.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 112 – Nocum 24, Santillan 21, Clarito 19, Asistio 11, Norwood 10, Mamuyac 8, Lemetti 6, Belga 5, Malonzo 4, Ildefonso 2, Datu 2, Caracut 0
TITAN 111 – Abueva 31, Melecio 21, Munzon 15, Balanza 12, Koon 12, Pessumal 12, Yu 3, Flores 2, Barasi 2, Ambohot 0, Ular 0, Monje 0
QUARTERS: 28-34, 57-64, 81-92, 112-111