ROS stretches NLEX’s free fall with huge win

NO STOPPING. Kiefer Ravena (15) of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Road Warriors shoots over Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Jericho Cruz (9) during the first half between NLEX and Rain or Shine in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday (Jan. 26, 2018). Based on the latest team standing, Rain or Shine has three wins and three losses while NLEX has two wins and four losses. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

MANILA — Rain or Shine added more woes to NLEX’s mid-conference struggles in the PBA Philippine Cup with a 97-86 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.

The Elasto Painters pounced on the Road Warriors in the second quarter, outscoring them, 28-18, to open a 53-38 cushion at halftime.

The lead ballooned to as much as 21 and never looked back despite NLEX eventually making the final margin a relatively decent one.

“I hope we can be consistent in playing this way,” said Coach Caloy Garcia after the game, as ROS bounced back from a stunning defeat to Kia on Saturday night.

Maverick Ahanmisi led the E-Painters, who are now 3-3, with 20 points on five triples with eight rebounds and three assists the night after his younger brother Jerrick sizzled for Akari-Adamson in the PBA D-League.

JR Quinahan tallied 22 markers and six boards for the Road Warriors, who lost for the fourth straight time after going 2-0 to start their campaign.

Box Scores:

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 (PNA)