The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Barako Bull Energy Cola scored contrasting victories in yesterday’s rare triple-bill of the 38th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Barako Bull went through the wringer before escaping with a 95-94 win over Globalport Batang Pier, while Rain or Shine had a walk in the park in blasting the Meralco Bolts, 106-81.
The Painters picked up a much-needed win ahead of its bigtime showdown against red-hot Alaska Aces on Wednesday.
The win pushed the Painters into a tie with the Aces at second place as the two have identical 5-2 (win-loss) slates.
Jireh Ibañes was the surprise package for the Painters as the defense-oriented guard fired a game-high 23 points to lead the team’s blowout victory.
Beau Belga scattered 16 points, Ryan Araña fired 16, while Cebuano big man JR Quiñahan chipped in 10 for the Painters, who were never threatened after ending the first half with a 41-28 edge.
The Bolts, who dropped to 4-3, were led by Macmac Cardona’s 20 points.
In the first game, Barako Bull (3-5) further pulled Globalport (1-7) down in the standings while ending its own three-game slide.
Ronald Tubid made the winning basket for Barako Bull, scoring from underneth off a Sean Anthony Pass in the final 18.1 seconds.
Batang Pier had the chance to win the game but Josh Vanlandingham missed a three-point shot from the corner as time ran out. /Editorial Assistant Calvin Cordova