Painters flatten Dyip for 4th straight win

MANILA, Philippines -- The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters continued their winning ways, securing their fourth straight victory in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup after quelling the Terrafirma Dyip, 116-105, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The two teams could not leave the other on their rearview mirrors through the first three quarters as Rain or Shine led by just two, 87-85, heading into the final quarter.

The Painters then showed why they are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, pouring in a 7-2 run capped by a Beau Belga deuce to take a 94-87 advantage.

After Thomas da Thaey hit a 3-pointer to stop the bleeding of Terrafirma, the Elasto Painters uncorked six straight points to grab a 100-90 lead with 6:13 remaining, capped by a three pointer by Andrei Caracut.

Rain or Shine was able to douse the fire on Terrafirma's fiery runs down the stretch.

The Dyip cut the lead to six, 105-99, off a pair of free throws by Juami Tiongson.

A trey by Jhonard Clarito and a floater by Santi Santillan slammed the door shut on Terrafirma.

Six Elasto Painters scored in double digits, as they pulled away from the gritty Dyip in the final quarter.

Beau Belga led Rain or Shine with 18 points in just 15 minutes of play.

Santillan, Clarito and Demetrius Treadwell all had 16 points apiece for the Elasto Painters, while Caracut and rookie Keith Datu had 13 and 12, respectively.

De Thaey led Terrafirma with 31 points and 14 rebounds, but it was not enough to finally break the losing spell of the Dyip.

The Dyip is now holding a 2-7 win-loss slate and is on the brink of another elimination from the quarterfinals.

Rain or Shine, on the other hand, is now 4-5 in the season, just behind TNT in the standings.