The Rain-or-Shine Elasto Painters returned to their winning ways with an impressive 97-86 win over the struggling NLEX Road Warriors at the Araneta Coliseum.
Coming off a stinging and upset loss against the unheralded Kia Picanto on their last game, the Painters went to work immediately, zooming to a quick 6-0 run to start the ballgame.
Coach Yeng Guiao and NLEX simply had no answer against his former team. The Road Warriors defense allowed four Elasto Painters to score in double-figures.
Maverick Ahanmisi had an all-around game with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists including 5 three-pointers to lead the Elasto Painters. Gabe Norwood added 13 points while former MVP James Yap scored 12 for Rain-or-Shine.
Former RoS big man JR Quiñahan led NLEX with 22 points, Alex Mallari scored 17 while rookie Kiefer Ravena added 14.
With the win, RoS climbed to an even 3-3 record while NLEX fell further down the standings to 2-4, having lost four straight games now after winning their first two outings.
The Elasto Painters will next face the Meralco Bolts at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 2 while NLEX will try to end their skid against Brgy. Ginebra on February 3 at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Boxscores:
RAIN OR SHINE 97 – Ahanmisi 20, Norwood 13, Yap 12, Tiu 11, Borboran 9, Daquioag 7, Belga 6, Maiquez 6, Nambatac 6, Cruz 3, Ponferada 2, Trollano 2.
NLEX 86 – Quiñahan 22, Mallari 17, Ravena 14, Baguio 9, Alas 6, Tiongson 6, Gotladera 4, Fonacier 3, Uyloan 3, Soyud 2, Monfort 0, Taulava 0.
Quarterscores: 25-20, 53-38, 73-62, 97-86.
