Dyip roar to first win

Lackluster Painters fading fast

MANILA, Philippines — Columbian Dyip isn’t taking the exit in the 2018 PBA Governors Cup without a single victory.

Akeem Wright drained three three-pointers to highlight the Dyip’s big fourth-quarter onslaught en route to a 100-84 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo last night.

Out of it all but still fighting, the Dyip snapped an 11-game losing skein in the season and ended a 25-game slump in the Governors Cup dating back to 2016.

Wright tossed in 23 points in all and snared 12 rebounds while Jeramy King, Rashawn McCarthy, Ronald Tubid and Patrick Cahilig contributed at least 13 points each as Columbian scored a grand slam of sorts versus Rain or Shine, with earlier victories over the E-Painters in the Philippine Cup and in the Governors Cup.

“We didn’t want to end the season (the conference) without a win. We gave up the lead at the half but we got our composure and defense back in the fourth quarter,” said Wright.

“It feels good we’re not ending with a 0-11 record. It’s frustrating taking the losses. It feels good to finally win and hopefully we also get our last game,” Wright added.

The win over Rain or Shine enabled Columbian to already equal its six wins last season. The Dyip try to break the mark in their final game versus the Blackwater Elite next Saturday at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

Wright and his teammates broke away from a close 68-63 count at the start of the fourth quarter and went on to stop the E-Painters’ two-game charge.

The E-Painters fell behind by 21 at 70-91 and failed to recover, thus staying outside the Magic Eight at 3-5.

Already without disgruntled player Raymond Almazan, the E-Painters lost another key frontline player as Beau Belga felt something snap on his foot early in the game. There’s also Jewel Ponferada sitting out precious minutes after twisting his ankle.

Worse, the E-Painters couldn’t make their shots in a turnaround from their torrid shooting in their 120-98 rout of the NorthPort Batang Pier Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Meanwhile, TNT KaTropa and San Miguel Beer clash in the penultimate Petron Blaze road showdown in the tourney over at the Calasiao Sports Center in Calasiao, Pangasinan today.

Meralco continued to fight with a tremendous resolve with its back against the wall, making it two in a row with a 94-88 win over erstwhile solo leader Magnolia in the nightcap.

“We’re fighting but we still have a long road to go. At least, we still have a chance,” said Meralco coach Norman Black after the win that improved their record to 3-6 at ninth place.

Absorbing a first loss in six games, Magnolia now shares the lead with Barangay Ginebra at 7-2.