Painters survives Bossing scare, clinches PBA q’final spot

MANILA – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters overcame a furious fourth-quarter comeback by Blackwater Bossing and survived a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to escape with a thrilling 125-123 victory and clinch a quarterfinal berth in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Adrian Nocum delivered a crucial split from the free-throw line in the dying seconds before Sedrick Barefield missed a desperation triple at the buzzer, allowing the Elasto Painters to preserve their slim advantage and secure their fifth victory in eight games.

The hard-earned triumph improved Rain or Shine’s record to 5-3 in Group B, while Blackwater slipped to 3-6 despite a spirited comeback that nearly turned the contest into a stunning upset.

Nocum spearheaded the Elasto Painters’ gritty stand, finishing with 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals to earn Player of the Game honors.

Import Aaron Fuller provided the offensive firepower with a team-high 24 points, while Caelan Tiongson contributed 22 and Felix Lemetti added 17.

Mike Malonzo chipped in 13 markers, Vince Cuajao scored 11, and Andrei Caracut contributed 10 as Rain or Shine relied on a balanced scoring attack to withstand Blackwater’s late surge.

The Elasto Painters appeared headed for a comfortable victory after establishing a double-digit advantage, but the Bossing mounted a determined comeback in the closing minutes.

Dalph Panopio sparked Blackwater’s final push with a crucial three-pointer that trimmed Rain or Shine’s lead to a precarious 124-123.

Nocum then converted one of his two free throws to stretch the advantage to 125-123, giving Blackwater one final possession to either force overtime or steal the victory.

Barefield attempted to complete the comeback with a three-pointer at the buzzer, but his shot missed the mark, sealing Rain or Shine’s narrow escape and its passage into the quarterfinals.

Kentrell Barkley led Blackwater’s losing effort with a game-high 35 points, while Barefield poured in 31.

RK Ilagan contributed 24 markers, and Panopio finished with 13 as the Bossing fell short despite their explosive offensive performance.

Meanwhile, Terrafirma Dyip ended its Governors’ Cup campaign with an emphatic 149-117 demolition of Titan Ultra Giant Risers.

Maverick Ahanmisi registered an impressive triple-double of 18 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds to power the Dyip to a commanding victory in their final elimination-round assignment.

Juan Miguel Tiongson fueled Terrafirma’s offensive explosion with a team-high 30 points, including 18 in the opening quarter, as the Dyip seized control early and never looked back.

Import Justine Strings and Joseph Eriobu added 12 points apiece as Terrafirma concluded its Group A campaign with a 5-7 win-loss record.

Von Pessumal paced Titan Ultra with 26 points, while Tirell Brown II contributed 24.

Fran Yu, Aris Dionisio and King Caralipio chipped in 11 points each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent the Giant Risers from closing their conference with a dismal 2-10 record./PN