Games Saturday

(Ynares Center Antipolo)
4:30 p.m. — Converge vs NLEX
6:45 p.m. — Terrafirma vs TNT

Young guard Anton Asistio stepped up in big moments to tow Rain or Shine to a gripping 76-75 win over NorthPort and keep its hopes alive for a playoff berth in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup on 4 November at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Asistio, the dead-shot sophomore guard, knocked in nine of his 12 points in the third period as the Elasto Painters notched their fourth win in eight games, moving up to seventh place in the standings.

Elasto Painters also banked on import Steve Taylor Jr., who came away with big plays in the closing seconds.

Taylor's inside stab put the Elasto Painters back in the driver's seat, then came away with a big block on Roi Sumang at the other end to give his team the final possession.

Batang Pier absorbed their fifth loss in eight games and found themselves in danger of suffering another early elimination.

The scores:

RAIN OR SHINE – Taylor Jr. 20, Asistio 12, Santillan 10, Torres 7, Mamuyac 7, Norwood 5, Nieto 5, Nambatac 4, Demusis 2, Caracut 2, Ildefonso 2, Borboran 0, Ponferrada 0, Belga 0

NORTHPORT – Bolick 18, Navarro 13, Ferrer 12, Ibeh 10, Sumang 8, Chan 8, Balanza 2, Tolentino 2, Dela Cruz 2, Taha 0, Calma 0, Caperal 0, Ayaay 0, Salado 0

QUARTERS: 21-23, 41-32, 61-57, 76-75