The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters sustained their hot start, trashing the Air21 Express, 106-92, last night to remain unbeaten in the 37th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Painters claimed the solo lead with their third win in as many games in the season-ending tournament.
Rain or Shine got token resistance in keeping its unbeaten record intact as the game was only close in the early stages when the Painters settled for a slim 23-22 lead after the opening quarter.
After closing the first half with a 53-46 edge, the Painters pulled away in the third, turning the game into a one-sided affair when they brought a big, 84-68 lead to final quarter.
Import Jamelle Cornely continued to impress for the Painters, leading the team with 21 points. The bulky import got solid contributions from Rain or Shine locals with Jeffrie Chan, Gabe Norwood and Ronjay Buenafe scoring in double figures.
Chan tallied 16 points, Norwood had 13, while Buenafe pitched in 11.
Zach Graham was the lone bright spot for the Express as he scattered a game-high 37 points.
Composed of unheralded locals, Air21 went down again due to lack of the needed locals production with Paolo Hubalde the only other Express to finish in twin digits with 10 points.
It was the Express’ second loss in three outings.
BOX SCORES
RAIN OR SHINE (106)- Cornely 21, Chan 16, Norwood 13, Buenafe 11, Lee 9, Cruz 9, Arana 8, Ibanes 8, Matias 4, Tang 3, Belga 2, Quiñahan 2.
AIR21 (92)- Graham 37, Hubalde 10, Ritualo 9, Espiritu 8, Menor 8, Omolon 8, Sena 6, Bagatsing 2, Faundo 2, Isip 2, Salamat 0, Sison 0, Escobal 0. QUARTERSCORES: 23-22, 53-46, 84-68, 106-92.