(PBA image)
Anton Asistio once again proved to be Rain or Shine’s clutch catalyst, powering a decisive fourth-quarter surge that lifted the Elasto Painters past Phoenix, 91-80, in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
With the game hanging in the balance, Asistio delivered eight points in a blistering 15-2 run—including two momentum-shifting triples—that turned a tight contest into an 82-73 advantage. The timely explosion propelled Rain or Shine to its fourth straight win and the solo top spot in the standings at 5-1, breaking free from a three-way tie with TNT and Magnolia.
Asistio, who recently saved the Elasto Painters with clutch free throws in their 112-111 escape over Titan, fired 20 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting from deep to complement Gian Mamuyac’s team-high 22 markers. Jhonard Clarito and Adrian Nocum added 11 and 10, respectively, as the Painters showed poise and balance down the stretch.
“Anytime you hit big free throws like that, you wanna ride the momentum and confidence from that experience,” said Asistio. “I’m thankful for Coach Yeng’s trust to put me in those moments. I just try to make the right plays.”
However, the victory came with concern as forward Keith Datu exited in the third quarter with a knee injury after contributing nine points. Despite being outrebounded 69-50 and missing big man Caelan Tiongson, Rain or Shine found ways to pull through.
“Kulang talaga kami sa bigs,” admitted coach Yeng Guiao. “We’re struggling, but we’re still here. We found ways to win through better defense in the last quarter and the timely shots of Anton, Mamu, and Adrian. They really stepped up.”
Jason Perkins paced Phoenix with 17 points, while Sean Manganti added 13. The Fuel Masters, however, suffered their fourth straight defeat to fall to 1-5.
Rain or Shine’s resilience, anchored by Asistio’s sharpshooting and Guiao’s steady leadership, once again underscored why the Elasto Painters are emerging as the season’s toughest grinders—winning not with size, but with heart, chemistry, and timely execution.