MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine had just enough gas left in its tank to stave off  gritty Meralco in overtime, 106-99, at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, June 24, and secure a twice-to-beat edge heading into the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs. 

Maverick Ahanmisi submitted an all-around effort of 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists as the Elasto Painters, who won their 4th overtime this conference, sealed the top spot in the quarterfinals with a 9-1 record. 

Reggie Johnson had another double-double of 21 points and 18 rebounds for Rain or Shine, but more importantly, made the biggest buckets in the extra period as he scored the team’s first 5 points in overtime. 

Trailing 99-102, the Bolts still had a chance to tie the game but a deliberate foul slapped on Chris Newsome – which paved way for a Chris Tiu freebie and an Ed Daquioag trey with 13 seconds left – shut all doors for a possible comeback. 

Tiu added 13 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds, Daquioag chipped in 11 points while Gabe Norwood chalked up 9 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists in the win, which dashed Meralco’s bid for the final twice-to-beat edge. 

Newsome finished with 21 points, 11 assists and 7 rebounds while import Arinze Onuaku had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals for the Bolts, who absorbed their second straight loss for a 7-4 card. 

The Elasto Painters led by as much as 18 points before the Bolts slowly chiseled away at their deficit to tie the game at 94-all midway through the 4th quarter off a Newsome bucket.

Meralco, however, failed to take the upper hand as Baser Amer and Onuaku missed 4 straight free throws. The team muffed 18 of its 38 foul shots overall. 

The Scores:

Rain or Shine (106): Johnson 21, Ahanmisi 20, Tiu 13, Daquioag 11, Almazan 9, Norwood 9, Yap 7, Nambatac 5, Belga 5, Ponferada 4, Casino 2, Torres 0, Washington 0.

Meralco (99): Newsome 21, Onuaku 20, Amer 19, De Ocampo 10, Canaleta 9, Hodge 7, Caram 4, Dillinger 3, Lanete 3, Tolomia 3, Hugnatan 0

Quarter scores: 28-27, 64-51, 84-81, 96-96 (Reg), 106-99 (OT)

– Rappler.com