MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine took control early but had to weather a late-game rally by Phoenix to essay a 105-98 decision for the team’s first victory in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Tuesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Elasto Painters held a 99-84 heading into the last three minutes and looked on their way to an easy.
But the Fuel Masters showed they still have a lot left in their tank, as they launched a 14-3 offensive to close in at 98-102 with 1:34 to go.
But the Elasto Painters showed poise in the endgame, with Andrei Caracut splitting his free throw, while Aaron Fuller scoring a layup with nine seconds left to seal their first win after opening the conference with back-to-back defeats.
The loss ended Phoenix’s three-game winning streak to start the conference.
The game also marked the first time Rain or Shine played against erstwhile team skipper Gian Mamuyac, whom the Elasto Painters shipped to Phoenix for the Fuel Masters’ Season 53 first round pick.
Mamuyac scored eight points, two rebounds and two assists against his former team in over 21 minutes of action.
Aaron Fuller led ROS with 28 points and 16 rebounds.
Adrian Nocum added 18 points, six rebounds and eight assists, while Mike Malonzo and Caelan Tiongson chipped in 12 and 11.
Robert Johnson III led Phoenix with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Ken Tuffin 11 and eight.
