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MANILA — Rain or Shine bounced back after a bitter loss last time around, surging past Magnolia, 91-82, in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
It was a quick recovery for the Elasto Painters after they were dealt their first defeat of the tournament by the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 83-87.
Gian Mamuyac sparked a fourth quarter surge thanks to his steals, allowing Jhonard Clarito, himself, and Adrian Nocum convert to the other side for a 73-70 lead, 7:16 on the clock.
Nocum further expanded that cushion with a triple, 76-70, again thanks to Mamuyac for his assist.
Another Nocum trey allowed the Elasto Painters establish an 83-75 lead, but Ian Sangalang managed to put his team on his back, sinking back-to-back baskets to close within four, 83-79.
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As Jaylen Johnson exploded for a dunk, with RoS still in the driver's seat at 87-80, tensions rose as coach Yeng Guiao and Magnolia consultant Erick Arejola engaged in a verbal altercation. Both were called for technical fouls.
A Mark Barocca floater kept Magnolia within five, 87-82, but Paul Lee committed a crucial foul on the other side after pushing Clarito just before the Rain or Shine timer expired.
Another call went the Elasto Painters way, as Mamuyac was fouled by import Clint Chapman as he tried to drive to the basket. He completed his trip to the 15-foot line, 35.7 ticks, for an 89-82 edge.
As Yukien Andrada missed on his corner triple with 29.6 seconds left, that signaled the Elasto Painters' triumph, upping their record to 8-1.
Mamuyac concluded his impressive showing with 25 points, five assists, and three steals, while Johnson mirrored the former's scoring output, but had 14 rebounds and four assists.
Clarito put up a near double-double of 18 markers and nine boards, while Nocum chipped in eight points.
Before fouling out, Chapman already had 17 points and 11 rebounds as the Hotshots return to the losing column after winning back-to-back matches against San Miguel and Converge.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE – Johnson 25, Mamuyac 25, Clarito 18, Nocum 8, Asistio 5, Santillan 3, Villegas 2, Roque 2, Malaonzo 2, Tiongson 1, Cuajao 0, David 0, Manaytay 0
MAGNOLIA –Chapman 17, Lastimosa 16, Lucero 16, Barroca 9, Dela Rosa 8, Sangalang 8, Lee 4, Alfaro 2, Verano 2, Andrada 0, Goomez de Liano 0
QUARTERS: 20-25, 38-41, 66-62,