Blackwater regained a piece of the tournament lead after taking its second straight win at the expense of Rain or Shine, 99-93, in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.
Five Blackwater chargers scored in twin-digits with Mike DiGregorio leading the way with 17 points, Nard Pinto 16 and Henry Walker 14.
The Elite improved to 6-1 to join Barangay Ginebra at the top of the heap while the hapless Elasto Painters remained without a win and fell down to 0-4.
Blackwater created some separation in the latter part of the second frame, unleashing an 18-5 run that gave it a double-digit lead, 47-35, in the closing seconds of the first half.
The Elite then settled for a 47-39 cushion at the half.
Carrying its momentum into the second half, the Elite continued its surge in the third, extending its lead to 16 on multiple occasions.
Still, Rain or Shine continued resisting as it trimmed its deficit to a more manageable nine points, 73-64, heading the final canto to give itself a chance.
A 7-0 run midway in the third enabled Blackwater to restore order and its double-digit lead, 84-73, with over seven minutes remaining after a Walker basket.
That blitz proved to be the insurance that the Elite needed to seal the victory as it thwarted every rally the Elasto Painters threw its way.