Rain or Shine defeated Blackwater 120-106 on Wednesday in the Ninoy Aquino Stadium during the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup after a late comeback.

Beau Belga and Caelan Tiongson returned to full fitness as the Elasto Painters improved to 3-2 (win-loss) with an 18-4 last kick to break a 102-102 deadlock.

Despite the return of Christian David and Sedrick Barefield from injury, the Elasto Painters handed the Bossing their fourth defeat in five games, led by a career-high 27 points from Keith Datu and 23 from Adrian Nocum.

According to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon, Rain or Shine faced a hot-shooting Blackwater team that made 18 three-pointers, including four four-pointers, which was the third-best in the team’s history.

Yeng Guiao, coach of Rain or Shine, remarked, “We were playing at our pace. I felt that we were able to weather the storm. ‘Yung shooting nila (Blackwater), masyadong maganda. They were making their threes. They were making their fours. On iso [isolation], they were making their shots,” 

Datu produced his best game since recovering from a calf injury, scoring 12 points in the first quarter to set the tone for Rain or Shine. Nocum contributed 19 in the last period to complete the task.

On his 33rd birthday, Tiongson scored 14 points, including six in the last period.

Datu scored 20 points in the first half, which helped the Elasto Painters stay in the game despite Blackwater’s wild shooting early on. He also contributed two blocks, three assists, and eight rebounds. He shot 11 of 17 from the field and made three three-pointers.

Barefield scored 23 points for the Bossing, while David scored 28 points. After leading 68-60 at the half and tying Rain or Shine 91-91 at the end of the third quarter, the two made a perfect 3-of-3 from fours to keep Blackwater within striking distance.

The Scores

Rain or Shine 120 – Datu 27, Nocum 23, Tiongson 14, Mamuyac 11, Caracut 11, Clarito 10, Santillan 10, Lemetti 8, Norwood 3, Asistio 3, Belga 0.

Blackwater 106 – David 28, Barefield 23, Ilagan 16, Ayonayon 9, Casio 8, Guinto 6, Andrade 5, Escoto 5, Mallillin 4, Chua 2, Tratter 0.

Quarter scores: 37-33; 60-68; 91-91; 120-106.