Painters stay alive

MERALCO’S Allen Durham (center) is sandwiched by two Rain or Shine players.

Rain or Shine banked on Rey Nambatac’s heroics to pull off a huge 83-81 win over Meralco to stay alive in the race for a playoff for the last quarterfinal seat in 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nambatac exploded for 24 points for the Elasto Painters to provide solid support for import Rich Ross, who had 26 points and 12 rebounds. Ping Exciminiano also made a solid contribution off the bench with eight points and six boards.

“It’s big win for us. We needed this game to at least give us a chance. Whatever happens, we showed heart today. We showed a lot of things we can do. We were able to beat two strong teams,” Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia said.

“That’s a testament of the hardwork of our locals and having Rich changes a lot of things. We just have to hope. If NorthPort wins we’re out. If they lose then we have a chance,” he added.

The Elasto Painters ended their elimination round campaign with 4-7 win-loss record to tie Columbian Dyip in the team standings.

They can figure in a playoff for the last quarterfinal seat if Batang Pier lost to Barangay Ginebra, which was being played as of press time.

Rain or Shine entered the fourth quarter trailing 60-69 but Ross sparked a big 17-2 run capped by Nambatac’s triple to give the Elasto Painters a 77-71 lead with 4:20 left in the game.

The Bolts, who were already assured of a top four finish and twice-to-beat advantage in the next round, threatened anew at 77-80 but Nambatac converted another big basket, a floater over Meralco import Allen Durham for an 82-77 spread with 1:28 remaining.

Durham had a quick 4-0 run to cut the lead to 81-82 with 47 ticks left and Rain or Shine forward Jewel Ponferada split his free throws for an 83-81 cushion, 34 ticks left.

The Bolts had multiple chances to at least tie the game but failed to convert their attempts and saw their five-game winning streak snapped to drop to 8-3 in the standings.

Durham finished with 23 points and 16 rebounds while Baser Amer and Raymond Almazan finished each had 18 markers for the team of coach Norman Black.

Chris Newsome contributed 12 points, four rebounds and four assists for Meralco, which settled for the No. 2 spot in the quarterfinals.