Rain or Shine squeaks past Meralco in OT

Rain or Shine squeaked past Meralco, 96-95, in overtime in the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

The Elasto Painters erased a 16-point deficit, 81–65, late in the third period and clawed their way back to within one, 89–88, with 17 seconds left in regulation after a four-point play by Tiongson. Chris Newsome then split his free throws after being fouled by Gian Mamuyac, giving Meralco a two-point lead, but Gabe Norwood responded with a basket to tie the game and force overtime.

Rain or Shine opened the extra period with back-to-back baskets, but Chris Banchero drilled a triple to bring the Bolts within one, 94-93. Tiongson answered with a basket to reclaim the lead for the Elasto Painters, but Banchero again responded to keep Meralco close.

Norwood and Rey Nambatac tried to close the game for Rain or Shine but couldn’t convert. However, the Elasto Painters managed to hold off the Bolts in the final seconds, as Newsome and Allein Maliksi missed their attempts to steal the win.

Tiongson finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds for Rain or Shine, while Norwood and Keith Datu added 11 points apiece.

Bong Quinto recorded a double-double of 18 points and 10 boards, while CJ Cansino also chipped in 18 points for Meralco.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 96– Tiongson 23, Datu 11, Norwood 11, Caracut 10, Nocum 10, Lemetti 9, Asistio 6, Mamuyac 5, Ildefonso 5, Malonzo 4, Clarito 2, Porter 0, Belga 0.

Meralco 95 – Quinto 18, Cansino 18, Almazan 12, Newsome 12, Banchero 9, Bates 8, Black 6, Caram 5, Hodge 5, Maliksi 2, Pascual 0.

Quarters: 24-28, 50-44, 70-81, 90-90, 96-95.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News