MANILA — Aaron Fuller delivered the game-winning basket in the closing seconds as Rain or Shine Elasto Painters erased a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit to edge the Meralco Bolts, 85-83, and stretch their winning streak to four games in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Trailing 72-79 late in the final period, the Elasto Painters mounted a determined comeback behind Luis Villegas and Fuller before Jhonard Clarito put Rain or Shine ahead, 83-81.
The Bolts answered with a game-tying basket by Clifford Hodge to knot the score at 83-all, but Fuller responded with the decisive field goal that restored the Painters’ lead at 85-83. Meralco still had a chance to force overtime, but Kier John Quinto missed two free throws in the closing moments.
Fuller dominated with a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds to earn Player of the Game honors as Rain or Shine improved to 4-2 in the conference standings.
Rookie Vince Deo Cuajao chipped in 12 points, while Clarito and Caelan Tiongson added 11 markers each for the Elasto Painters.
Chris Newsome led Meralco with 16 points, Antonio Hester contributed 15, while Hodge and Javee Mocon scored 14 apiece as the Bolts slipped to a 2-4 record.
In the other game, Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots bounced back from their previous defeat with a convincing 88-73 triumph over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings.
Zavier Lucero powered Magnolia with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while KJ Buffen also posted a double-double with 23 points and 11 boards. Ian Sangalang chipped in 14 points as the Hotshots evened their record at 2-3.
Stephen Holt paced Ginebra with 17 points, while Riley Grigsby added 15 as the Gin Kings likewise dropped to a 2-3 slate./PN
