RAIN OR SHINE got back on the winning track on Wednesday with a 123-85 demolition of Barako Bull in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Elasto Painters—behind Paul Lee—jumped the gun on the Elite early and never looked back to snap a two-game slide and improve to 2-4 won-lost. They led by as many as 40 points in the one-sided contest.
Lee was one of six Rain or Shine players who finished in double figures with 13 points—all he made in the first quarter as he set the tone for the Elasto Painters, who handed Blackwater its worst loss of the season.
“We’re just struggling. A win like this gives our confidence a boost. But we’re not giving up yet,” said Rain or Shine Head Coach Yeng Guiao, whose team had its worst start (1-4) in the last nine conferences.
Wendel McKines had 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Elasto Painters, who outscored the Elite, 31-13, in the second period to turn a 30-22 first-quarter lead into a 61-35 halftime cushion.
Blackwater never recovered from there as the team of mentor Leo Isaac absorbed its third straight loss to go down deeper in the standings with a 1-6 mark.
Blackwater’s 38-point loss easily topped its previous worst defeat during its maiden season, a 62-91 debacle at the hands of San Miguel Beer in the Philippine Cup.
Marcus Douthit led the Elite with 14 points in his final game for the team as he is set to rejoin the Gilas Pilipinas for the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.