The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters took advantage of Henry Walker’s exit to defeat the Blackwater Elite, 104-94, to formally clinch a quarterfinal spot in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup, Friday evening at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters improved to 7-1 to gain solo lead of the rankings. The Elite, meanwhile, dropped to 1-8.
“‘Di namin inexpect ‘to,” said Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia of how his team has been doing so far in the conference. “Swerte pa rin siguro kami up to now. But what we’re trying to achieve is to also play good in the next round.”
It was the locals who shone for Rain or Shine in the victory, with Raymond Almazan leading the pack with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Chris Tiu also had a double-double of 17 markers on five triples and 10 assists, with seven boards.
Reggie Johnson made his presence felt once more with 17 points on top of 20 rebounds and seven assists.
The Elasto Painters had the chance to pull away from the Elite only in the fourth quarter. They unfurled a stunning 13-2 scoring spree to turn an 84-all deadlock to a huge 97-86 lead with 5:13 left to play, and never looked back.
Maverick Ahanmisi chipped in 17 markers as well for Rain or Shine.
Allein Maliksi had his best game of the conference so far, leading Blackwater with 23 points and seven rebounds. Nard Pinto supplied 16 points and four assists, while JP Erram provided 10 markers, five caroms, and two blocks.
Blackwater lost the six-foot-five Walker in the first quarter due to an injury. The veteran import played for just seven minutes and 32 seconds and left the match with only two points, three rebounds, a steal, and a block.
Rain or Shine will look to extend their streak against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Saturday, June 16, 4:30 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena. Blackwater, meanwhile, will next battle the Meralco Bolts next Friday, June 15, 4:30 PM, still at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 104 – Almazan 26, Tiu 17, Johnson 17, Ahanmisi 17, Belga 6, Borboran 5, Norwood 5, Ponferada 4, Daquioag 3, Yap 2, Washington 2, Casiño 0, Nambatac 0.
Blackwater 94 – Maliksi 23, Pinto 16, Erram 10, Zamar 9, Sumang 8, Jose 7, Sena 6, DiGregorio 4, Al-Hussaini 4, Cortez 3, Belo 2, Walker 2.
Quarterscores: 25-28, 52-47, 72-80, 104-94.
