WINLESS no more.

Rain or Shine claimed its first win of the conference after defeating Phoenix Super LPG, 100-85, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Two days after scoring only three points in the Elasto Painters’ 97-109 loss to San Miguel last Friday, rookie Adrian Nocum bounced back with 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting on top of seven rebounds and six assists in 31 minutes of action.

Veteran big man Beau Belga delivered a double-double performance with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Jhonard Clarito contributed 19 points and five rebounds for the coach Yeng Guiao-mentored Elasto Painters.

Ricci Rivero led the scoring for the Fuel Masters with 16 points, along with four rebounds and four assists.

RJ Jazul added 11 points, while Kenneth Tuffin and Rafael Verano each chipped in with 10 points for coach Jamike Jarin.

It was a close ball game at the end of the first half, with Rain or Shine leading 47-41.

But Elasto Painters opened up a commanding 16-point advantage, 70-54, halfway through third quarter.

The Fuel Masters fought back in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to six, 80-86, with 6:48 left.

However, Andrei Caracut and Clarito hit three-pointers to extend the lead to 12 points.

…After Jayjay Alejandro hit a three-pointer, six straight points from Clarito and a two-pointer from Belga stretched the lead to 17 points, 100-83,

The Elasto Painters never looked back from there.

“Previous losses namin we had pretty close games except doon sa San Miguel. Pero before that we just couldn’t close out games, we couldn’t finish in the endgame. Hirap kami lalo na pagka nagmimintis kami ng free throws,”said Guiao.

“We were also not getting our desired percentages sa 3-point shots. Andami naming 3-points na open pero hindi pumapasok. But I just keep telling the guys if you’re open for a 3 just keep taking it.”

The scores:

Rain or Shine (100) — Nocum 28, Belga 21, Clarito 19, Santillan 8, Caracut 6, Belo 5, Mamuyac 4, Borboran 4, Norwood 3, Ildefonso 2, Asistio 0, Demusis 0
Phoenix (85) – Rivero 16, Jazul 11, Tuffin 10, Verano 10, Manganti 7, Mocon 6, Alejandro 6, Muyang 5, Daves 4, Salado 3, Camacho 2, Lalata 0.
Quarterscores: 22-29, 47-41, 78-66, 100-85.

Games March 31

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
3 p.m.– Phoenix vs. San Miguel
6:15 p.m. — Magnolia vs. Ginebra