By REYNALD MAGALLON
Anton Asistio and Gian Mamuyac provided a deadly one-two punch as Rain or Shine kept Phoenix at bay, 91-80, to seize the solo lead in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup standings, Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
With his confidence at sky high after nailing game-winning free throws in their last game, Asistio led the fourth quarter assault for the Elasto Painters, nailing eight of his 20 points to help his team list its fourth straight victory.
He actually drilled two big triples to fan a searing 13-0 rally that allowed ROS to create the separation just as Mamuyac also delivered key hits to ensure that there would be no Phoenix comeback in the waning minutes.
Mamuyac also finished with 22 points while Jhonard Clarito and Adrian Nocum finished with 11 and 10 for ROS which now boasts a 5-1 record.
The only dampener for Rain or Shine, however, was the injury to big man Keith Datu who seemed to hurt his knee after slipping on the floor while driving to the basket.
The Elasto Painters were actually staring at a four-point deficit, 67-71, early in the fourth quarter before the pivotal run erected an 80-71 cushion.
Meanwhile, Fran Yu steadied the ship as Titan Ultra pulled away in the final frame to take down Blackwater, 97-86, and arrest a four-game slide.
Yu had 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter – none bigger than the four-point play that triggered a pivotal 9-0 run that allowed the Giant Risers to create some breathing space after an initial tight contest.
Titan Ultra got back to the winning column for a 2-4 slate while sending the Blackwater reeling to a 1-4 record.
The spitfire guard also orchestrated the attack for his team with seven assists while Calvin Abueva came four dimes shy of a triple-double with his 23 points, 14 rebounds and six assists statline that also came with two blocks.
Joshua Munzon also bounced back from his huge blunder from the last game where he fouled and sent Anton Asistio of Rain or Shine to the foul line for the game-winning free throws.
He finished with 18 points just as Aljun Melecio and Von Pessumal chipped in 11 and 10, respectively.
Titan Ultra held on to a slim 72-70 lead early in the final frame before the team went on the crucial run that was capped by a Yu triple to establish an 81-70 advantage – a lead that they managed to protect the rest of the way.
QUARTERS: 20-18, 42-47, 71-67, 97-86
