MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine had just enough gas left in the tank to stave off Magnolia in overtime, 99-96, and take solo lead in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, June 2. 

Reggie Johnson posted 23 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists and two blocks as the Elasto Painters, who bagged their 3rd straight win for a 6-1 record, moved closer to notching a playoff spot. 

Raymond Almazan chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds, Gabe Norwood chalked up 12 points and 10 boards and Chris Tiu delivered 10 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, two steals and most importantly, the free throws that sealed the deal for Rain or Shine.

Tiu made all of his 4 freebies in the last 20 seconds of the game as the Elasto Painters avoided a scare after Magnolia import Curtis Kelly bricked the potential game-winning triple. 

“I think sa 6 wins namin (in our 6 wins), we have 3 overtimes. It just shows the character of the team na (that) we can win close games. That’s one thing we can say tonight, that we build on character,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia. 

The Elasto Painters held a slim 88-84 lead with two minutes remaining in regulation before the Hotshots knotted the score with a Kelly dunk and a Jio Jalalon floater. 

Rain or Shine had a chance to win the game but Raymond Almazan muffed his a trey with 4 seconds left as Magnolia forged overtime. 

Kelly, who played his first PBA game as a replacement for Vernon Macklin, had 19 points, 15 rebound and 3 assists for Magnolia, which badly missed the services of Ian Sangalang (fractured wrist).

Rome dela Rosa chipped in 19 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting while Jio Jalalon made his presence felt with 13 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds in the loss. 

The Hotshots saw their 3-game winning streak come to an end to fall to a 3-2 card. 

The Scores:

Rain or Shine (99): Johnson 23, Almazan 19, Norwood 12, Tiu 10, Ahanmisi 9, Belga 7, Yap 5, Torres 5, Daquioag 4, Ponferada 3, Nambatac 2, Onwubere 0

Magnolia (96): Kelly 19, Dela Rosa 19, Jalalon 13, Lee 10, Ramos 7, Melton 6, Pascual 6, Reavis 4, Herndon 4, Simon 3, Brondial 3, Barroca 2

Quarter scores: 22-18, 46-50, 69-68, 88-88, 99-96 (OT)