Rain or Shine wins as Meralco runs out of steam late

The Meralco Bolts just scored a combined five points in the fourth quarter and in overtime to yield to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 106-99, in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Reggie Johnson scored 21 points with 18 rebounds, while Marverick Ahanmisi tallied 20 to lead Rain or Shine. Ed Daquioag rounded up the scorers in double figures with 11, while Raymond Almazan and Gabe Norwood posted nine apiece.

The Elasto Painters led by as many as 18, 73-55, at the 8:32 third period before Meralco went on a 25-7 rally to tie the game near the end of the quarter.

A Chris Newsome layin tied the game at the 6:23 mark of the third, but the two teams would only score two points each till the end of regulation to send the game into extra time.

In overtime, Rain or Shine went on a 3-0 stretch off the freethrow line to stretch their lead to four, 102-98, with 1:29 to go. Another Tiu charity, followed by an Ed Daquioag trey, stretched Rain or Shine’s advantage to seven with 13 seconds left, putting the game away.

Chris Newsome led Meralco with 21 points, 11 assists and seven boards, while import Arinze Onuaku chipped in 20 markers. Baser Amer tallied 19 points, as Ranidel De Ocampo and KG Canaleta topscored for the bench with a combined 19 points. — DVM, GMA News