PBA: Barangay Ginebra, Scottie Thompson escape Rain or Shine to clinch QF spot

Barangay Ginebra, fueled by Scottie Thompson’s late-game heroics, escaped Rain or Shine, 102–100, on Wednesday in Bahrain to clinch a quarterfinal berth in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Rain or Shine held a 79–65 lead early in the fourth quarter before Barangay Ginebra clawed its way back and eventually closed the gap to 98–95 with 1:02 remaining after a Troy Rosario basket.

RJ Abarrientos then completed a three-point play to tie the game before Adrian Nocum answered with a basket to put the Elasto Painters back in front.

However, Thompson drilled a triple to give Ginebra a slim 101–100 lead, and Nocum missed his next attempt.

Thompson was then fouled by Jhonard Clarito while rebounding, sending him to the line, where he split his free throws to seal the victory for Barangay Ginebra.

Abarrientos finished with 25 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Thompson posted 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Stephen Holt added 15 points.

Felix Lemetti led the Elasto Painters with 14 points, while Nocum and Clarito chipped in 13 points apiece.

With the win, Barangay Ginebra improved to 6–4, while the Elasto Painters, already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage, slipped to second place at 8–3.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 102 – Abarrientso 25, Thompson 16, Holt 15, Torres 9, Gray 8, J.Aguilar 7, Cu 6, Rosario 6, Estil 5, David 4, Pinto 0.

Rain or Shine 100– Lemetti 14, Clarito 13, Nocum 13, Tiongson 11, Mamuyac 11, Santillan 10, Norwood 9, Asistio 7, Porter 5, Caracut 3, Malonzo 2, Belga 2.

Quarters: 23-18, 49-49, 65-77, 102-100.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News