RAIN OR SHINE survived the repeated rallies of Blackwater in the fourth period and held on for a 98-92 triumph on Friday in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
JR Quiñahan sank three free throws off Eric Dawson’s foul beyond the three-point line with 33.4 seconds left to seal the second straight win for the Elasto Painters.
Jeff Chan and Dior Lowhorn each had 20 points for Rain or Shine, which threatened to pull away after Quiñahan hit a banked shot, 84-72, 6:14 remaining in the contest.
But the Elite, behind Reil Cervantes, answered with a 12-2 run capped by Dawson’s putback to push Blackwater within two, 84-86, 3:06 left.
A defensive collapse by the Elite in the next play left Jericho Cruz wide open at the left corner for a triple, 89-84, and Blackwater was called for a 24-second shot-clock violation that resulted to an under-goal stab by Quiñahan off Beau Belga’s assist to give Rain or Shine a 91-84 cushion at the 2:04-mark.
But the Elite again rallied and closed the gap to 90-93 on Lastimosa’s drive, but Dawson had an ill-advised foul on Quiñahan at the rainbow area, sending the burly center to the 15-foot line for three bonus shots that sealed the game.
Rain or Shine’s victory spoiled Dawson’s monster game of 14 points, 25 rebounds, six assists and five blocks. Lastimosa added 20 points for the Elite, who dropped to 1-2.
Blackwater’s Asian import, Imad Qahwash, was scoreless in 14 minutes of play. The Palestinian guard missed all of his four attempts.