Rain or Shine downs Global Port for third win

Games today:

Mall of Asia

4:15 p.m. – Air21 vs. Meralco

6:30 p.m. – Petron vs. Ginebra

THE RAIN OR SHINE Elasto Painters dug down deep and leaned on their veteran savvy to defeat the Globalport Batang Pier, 94-83, in the PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Jervy Cruz was the man of the moment for the Painters as he scored a career-high 22 points and 16 rebounds that helped them push their record to 3-1 (win-loss).

The score was tight as the Batang Pier trailed by just five, 79-84, with 3:22 left but Rain or Shine’s defense held steady and forced the former to two crucial turnovers that turned the tide in its favor.

A freethrow and a basket by Cebuano big man JR Quinahan followed by a layup by Jeff Chan did the Batang Pier in as the Elasto Painters hiked their lead to 11, 90-79.

Meanwhile, two preseason favorites that are struggling to find their groove aim to end their respective two-game losing streaks when the Petron Blaze Boosters and the Brgy. Ginebra Kings tangle in the main game at 6:30 pm at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Before that, the Meralco Bolts (2-2) return to their recent place of torment to battle the Air21 Express (1-3). The Bolts lost to Globalport Batang Pier, 104-105, in their last outing in a match that saw them lead by 14 in the final quarter. Making matters worse, several officials of the Bolts including coach Ryan Gregorio were robbed of their belongings after a thief broke into their locker room./Correspondent Jonas Panerio