The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters strikes back-to-back victories as they defeated the Magnolia Hotshots, 86-82.
Prior to the game, the Elasto Painters big-man Beau Belga promised that they’re local players will step-up and indeed it was true.
Was it a secret or not but that local player who shines the brightest tonight was none other than himself.
Belga dropped 22 points along with his five boards all coming-off the bench.
He was later named as the Best Player of the Game.
Just like in their previous outing against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the Hotshots took control the opening quarter but the rest went to their opponent.
Their scoring went aggravated when Paul Lee sustained a sprained ankle where RoS took advantage the situation.
Rain or Shine was on their 11 point biggest lead in the final quarter and seems they were on the mode of protecting that advantage.
Instead of scoring more to pin-down their opponent, the Elasto Painters went from aggressive to passive in their offense.
On the other hand, Magnolia orchestrated their final push and they were successful on bringing their squad within striking distance.
Hotshots guard Jio Jalalon can put Magnolia even much closer but his layup attempts got swatted by Carl Montgomery.
There were several more attempts after that but all of the crucial shots of the Hotshots unable to produce scores for them.
Ian Sangalang led Magnolia with his 24 markers and eight boards while Paul continue to struggle as he got limited once again under double-digit in scoring. Lee only managed to deliver nine points but had seven boards and four assists.
Rain or Shine moved up to the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup standings with their 5-5 record while the Hotshots still unable to punch a playoffs entry as they still got stuck with their five victories and now looking at their five losses.
Beau Belga Takes The Open Lane
Rain or Shine vs Magnolia Box Score
Quarters: 15-22 | 35-41 | 64-61 | 86-82
Elasto Painters (86) – Belga 22; Montgomery 20, Daquioag 14, Rosales 7, Mocon 7, Norwood 5, Nambatac 5, Ponferada 3, Torres 2, Borboran 1
Hotshots (82) – Sangalang 24, Farr 19, Barroca 14, Lee 9, Jalalon 7, Dela Rosa 6, Herndon 3