By Adrian Stewart Co

A second half spurt pushed the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters ahead in their 86-82 victory over the Magnolia Hotshots in the 2019 Honda PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Beau Belga scored conference-best 22 points for Rain or Shine, including four triples; while Carl Montgomery earned a double-double on 20 points and 12 rebounds; and Eduardo Daquioag chipped in 14 markers.

Trailing 33-21 in the midway second period, the Painters rallied behind inside hits by Montgomery and Norbert Torres, along with triples from Rey Nambatac and Belga, to get to within 41-35 at the half.

The Hotshots were still ahead 47-42 early in the third when the Painters came up with consecutive triples from Montgomery, Belga, and Gabe Norwood to take a 64-61 advantage heading into the fourth.

In the fourth quarter, Rain or Shine went on to build their largest lead of 80-69 on baskets from Belga and Javee Mocon. Magnolia then made their final push while down 84-80 but Norwood sealed the win for the Painters with two free throws./ASC, WDJ