Elasto Painters beat Floodbuster in overtime, 99-95, race to 2-0 record
THE Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ title defense of their Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup title is off to a strong start after they claimed their second win in as many games yesterday, beating the Mahindra Floodbuster, 99-95, in overtime.
Coming off a victory over the NLEX Road Warriors in the conference opener last Friday, Rain or Shine made sure it would keep its unblemished record intact against Mahindra, with the team needing to dig deep amid a tough challenge from the latter.
The two teams engaged in a tight opening half, hardly budging when one pushes the other with the first quarter ending at 24-22 with Mahindra on top, and then Rain or Shine claiming the lead by half time, 45-43.
Third period saw the nip-andtuck nature of the contest hold. Rain or Shine made several runs but Mahindra kept coming back to keep things close, 68-66, at the end of the third period.
With the game still up for grabs, both teams tried to set the tone at the start of the fourth period.
James Yap kicked off things for Rain or Shine with five quick points to give his team some breathing room in the first two and half minutes of the final canto, 73-66.
Mahindra though would rally back, levelling things at 80- all with 4:33 left in the match.
It then scored the next six points in two minutes to take an 86-80 lead before Rain or Shine sliced it two with 1:51 left.
Import James White scored two points after to help Mahindra create some distance anew but Rain or Shine would string up three straight points to come within one point, 88-87, with 50 second left.
Rain or Shine stepped up its defense to thwart Mahindra’s attempt to put away the game, regaining ball possession with less than 40 seconds to go in the match.
Elasto Painters import Shawn Taggart was fouled by Mr. White after but he split his free throws, tying the score at 88-all.
Mahindra had a chance to win the game but Mr. White’s potential game-winner as time expired did not connect to send the game to extra period.
In the overtime, the two teams slugged it out anew making runs and counter-runs.
Rain or Shine moved ahead by four, 97-93, after a Jeff Chan triple with 1:38 left, a lead they would not relinquish as they went on to park the game in the win column.
Mr. Taggart led the way for Rain or Shine with 29 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks with Beau Belga and Mr. Yap each scoring 12 points and Mr. Chan 10.
Mr. White had a monster double- double of 29 points and 21 rebounds but it was not enough to carry Mahindra to its first win.
“Mahindra played with a lot of energy today and we had to really step up to their challenge. Good thing we were able to do that,” said Mr. Taggart after their win.
Rain or Shine ( 2- 0) returns to action next Sunday against Blackwater Elite while Mahindra (1-1) plays on Friday against the NLEX Road Warriors. —