Phoenix retains losing streak amidst Abueva suspension after RoS victory

“Final: 89 – 82 in favor of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters! Best Player: Denzel Bowles with 28 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists #PBALabanKungLaban” (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

The Rain or Shine (RoS) Elasto Painters reigned victorious in a close match against the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters, the score ending 89-82 after the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup match last Sunday, June 9 at the Ynares Sports Center in Rizal.

RoS’ Denzel Bowles had five straight points against his opponents as soon as Phoenix import Richard Howell fouled out during the fourth, totalling 28 points the entire game with 16 from the fourth quarter alone. Both two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) James Yap and Javee Mocon chipped 15 individually, while Rey Nambatac scored 11 points. Phoenix’s Howell, who replaced an injured Rob Dozier, led the way for the Fuel Masters with 27 points and 13 rebounds. He also had a 5-of-9 success rate beyond the arc. Matthew Wright totalled 15 points, while LA Revilla contributed 12.

Despite their win, Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia admitted, “We looked bad. Practically, I felt that we don’t deserve this win. It’s good Denzel was able to give us this win. He didn’t want to lose.” He added in Filipino, “Our turnovers are frustrating. I feel like for professional players, we shouldn’t be turning the ball over like that,” referring to their total of 22 turnovers throughout the game, “We’ll take the win, but I think we’ll have to work harder on our execution.”

The Elasto Painters, who are now at a 2-2 win-loss standing, will face NorthPort Batang Pier next at the SM Mall of Asia Arena next Wednesday, June 19. Phoenix, on the other hand, will attempt to bounce back on Saturday, June 15 as they face the Alaska Aces at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Fuel Masters now hold a 1-3 win-loss standing as they play without the presence of suspended Calvin Abueva indefinitely.