Painters revive fading playoff hopes in Commissioner's Cup

Rain or Shine, playing without pressure, showed its true potential in a 113-83 rout of Air21 Friday night in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Astrodome. The Elasto Painters—behind import Duke Crews' big game, and the support by locals Ronjay Buenafe, Paul Lee and Jeff Chan—never looked back the moment they raced to a 28-16 lead after the first 12 minutes of play. That lead ballooned to 57-34 at the break. Crews finished with 20 points, Buenafe had 19, including 10 in the first half, while Lee and Chan tallied 10 each as Rain or Shine won for just the second time in seven games—and its first in the Philippines after a breakthrough win opposite Barako Bull in Dubai. The victory somehow gave the Elasto Painters a slight hope of still making the playoffs, despite the daunting task ahead. They need to sweep their last two games—including one against league leader Talk 'N Text—and hope none among the teams behind the Tropang Texters and the B-MEG Llamados reach five wins. "Hope this one sparks us, but maybe it's too late," said coach Yeng Guiao of his team's current dilemma. "But we're not losing any hope. Whatever happens, we'll try to win our next two games.” The Elasto Painters have lost three straight prior to the game. The loss was actually more of a big blow to Air21's playoff bid. The Express, after winning back-to-back games for the first time this season, are now tied with Powerade and Ginebra tied for fourth place with an even 3-3 record. Marcus Douthit led the Express with 23 points, but had to be pulled out by coach Franz Pumaren early in the fourth when the outcome of the game was beyond reach. Rain or Shine enjoyed a 104-71 advantage with three minutes remaining. — JVP, GMA News Scores: