PBA: Rain or Shine downs NLEX to clinch QF slot

Rain or Shine took down NLEX, 120-104, on Friday at the Philsports Arena to punch a quarterfinals ticket in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Elasto Painters relied on a strong first half as it outscored the Road Warriors in the second period, 32-20, to end the first two quarters with a 62-43 lead. Rain or Shine also led by 23, 78-55, at the 6:42 mark of the third period before cruising onto the victory.

Santi Santillan had 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Shaun Ildefonso had 14 points off the bench for Rain or Shine. Beau Belga top-scored the squad with 18 points, while Jhonard Clarito had 15 as the Elasto Painters improved to 6-5.

The win spoiled Robert Bolick's 38-point output as the struggling Road Warriors were handed their fourth straight loss and slipped to 5-5.

Rain or Shine's win also assured Barangay Ginebra San Miguel of a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals for being no. 2 in the standings.

The Elasto Painters are currently at no. 4 in the standings as they await for their quarterfinals matchup.

NLEX, meanwhile, will still play Barangay Ginebra on Sunday.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 120 – Belga 18, Santillan 17, Clarito 15, Ildefonso 14, Caracut 12, Mamuyac 12, Asistio 7, Datu 6, Nocum 6, Borboran 5, Concepcion 3, Demusis 3, Norwood 2, Belo 0, Paredes 0.

NLEX 104 – Bolick 38, Semerad 18, Rodger 9, Valdez 9, Nieto 8, Fajardo 6, Anthony 6, Nermal 6, Miranda 2, Amer 2, Pascual 0, Herndon 0, Marcelo 0.

Quarters: 30-23, 62-43, 97-74, 120-104.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News