Welcoat extend series, rip Shark

Welcoat Paints prevented what could have been a humiliating end to a great team as it walloped defending champion Shark Energy Drink, 66-47, yesterday to take Game 4 of their best-of-seven PBL Challenge Cup title duel at the Makati Coliseum.

Rediscovering a new-found strength after dropping three games in a row, the Paint Masters sustained an explosive start with a superb perimeter game, smothering the Power Boosters for its win in the series.

PBA-bound Yancy de Ocampo, Ren Ren Ritualo and Jojo Manalo redeemed themselves from so-so stints as they combined in spoiling Shark’s bid for a second title through a sweep.

After getting criticized for their inconsistent plays, De Ocampo, Ritualo and Manalo found their old form and dished out a tough stand to the surprise of Leo Austria and his charges.

The 6’ 8" De Ocampo, awarded the MVP plum earlier, showed his worth as PBA’s top rookie draft pick this year , erasing the stigma of a nightmarish four-point game in their 46-61 loss in Saturday’s Game 3.

De Ocampo finished with eight markers, 14 rebounds and some crucial defensive gems, finally outclassing rivals Ervin Sotto and Rysal Castro, who combined for only nine points and a rebound.

Ritualo, on the other hand, also ended up in a flourish, scattering eight points including a couple of triples in crucial runs in the third and fourth quarters while Manalo played his best game so far with 15 points.

"Marami ngang nagsasabi na hindi kami deserving na maglaro sa PBA dahil sa sama ng laro namin sa finals. Sana sa panalong ito, mabura na yung ganong perception," said De Ocampo.

Welcoat coach Junel Baculi said the win could start something big for the Paint Masters.

"The boys, especially my pro-bound players, showed the hearts of champions they are," said Welcoat coach Junel Baculi.

"Now if we can play like that in Games 5, 6, 7, we have a good chance of making history by rallying from 0-3 down," he added.

Diminutive Warren Ybanez led Shark with 12 points but got little support this time from his teammates.