The resilient all-Filipino lineup of Rain or Shine pulled the rug from under Meralco, 109-102, to speed off to a 3-0 start in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Elasto Painters played without stocky import Jaylen Johnson, who was serving a one-game suspension for engaging in a fistfight with Glenn Khobuntin in their win over the TNT Tropang 5G last week.
But Rain or Shine played with great resolve without Johnson, erecting leads of as many as 17 points, before holding off the Bolts’ fourth quarter rally to stay perfect this conference.
Rain or Shine also outrebounded Meralco, 57-47, which had seven-foot import Marvin Jones. Its bench likewise held a massive 64-26 advantage over Meralco’s.
Frank Lemetti led the Elasto Painters with 23 points, while Adrian Nocum had 17 points along with six rebounds. Caelan Tiongson contributed 16 points and five rebounds while Jhon Clarito chipped in 15 points and nine boards.
Chris Newsome led the Bolts with 29 points. Jones added 17 points and 16 rebounds while rookie guard Jason Brickman finished with 15 points, seven boards and four assists.