Rain or Shine prevails, Meralco ends miserable PH Cup stint

MANILA, Philippines – The Meralco Bolts were within striking distance for a positive ending to their miserable conference. But in a manner that characterized at least their 9 other games, the Bolts fell short once again.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters prevailed over the struggling Meralco down the stretch for a 97-87 win on Wednesday, December 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the victory, Rain or Shine strengthened its bid for an outright semifinals berth in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup.

Veteran marksman Jeff Chan recorded a conference team-high 24 points, including the dagger 3-pointer with 38.4 seconds remaining, to go with 8 rebounds as the Painters improved their record to 8-2 for solo second place.

The top two teams at the end of the eliminations will automatically advance to the semifinals.

Lanky center Raymond Almazan had a career-high double-double of 21 points and 17 rebounds, crashing the board offensively (8) and defensively (9). He made 6 of his 7 field goals and went 8-of-10 from the free throw line.

Jericho Cruz and Beau Belga added 13 and 9 points, respectively, off the bench, while Gabe Norwood chipped in 8 markers and 6 boards.

Meralco finally ended its worst conference since joining the PBA in 2010 with just one win in 11 games.

The Manny V. Pangilinan-owned team struggled with chemistry this conference, owing to new team members such as veteran Jimmy Alapag, who came out of retirement before the season, and comebacking big man Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

Head coach Norman Black and the Bolts are also breaking in rookies Chris Newsome and Baser Amer, collegiate standouts who are touted as the franchise’s future.

Meralco bucked a slow start Wednesday, rallying late in the opening period and scoring 27 in the second for a 49-42 halftime lead.

Rain or Shine regained the advantage, 67-66, entering the last quarter before Chan and Almazan conspired for a 10-2 run with a 3-pointer, a 3-point play, and a putback on the break, turning a slim 81-80 lead into a 90-83 edge with 1:28 left to play.

Newsome hit two free throws to cut the deficit to 92-87 but Chan shut the door on Meralco’s hopes of an uplifting end to their conference with the dagger triple.

Jared Dillinger came off the bench for a team-high 15 points while Amer and Newsome added 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Alapag contributed 10 points and a 3-pointer that brought the Bolts to within 80-81 nearing the 3-minute mark of the final frame.

Scores: 

Rain or Shine (97): Chan 24, Almazan 21, Cruz 13, Belga 9, Norwood 8, Quiñahan 5, Ahanmisi 4, Ponferada 4, Teng 3, Ibañes 2, Matias 2, Trollano 2, Tiu 0.

Meralco (87): Dillinger 15, Amer 13, Newsome 12, Alapag 10, Nabong 9, Hodge 8, Hugnatan 8, Buenafe 7, Al-Hussaini 5, David 0, Faundo 0.

Quarter scores: 23-22, 42-49, 67-66, 97-87. 

– Rappler.com