Painters, Tigers survive, clash for quarters

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine and Coca-Cola fought with grit and determination in their do-or-die matches with Sta. Lucia and Burger King, pulling off gripping victories to advance to the final knockout stage of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup wildcard round at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo last night.

The Elasto Painters outlasted the Realtors, 90-86, while the Tigers topped the Whoppers, 118-112, to stay in the running for the last berth in the quarterfinal round.

They play in another knockout duel in the same venue Wednesday with the winner gaining the right to play the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in a best-of-five quarterfinal series.

Sol Mercado once again took charge for Rain or Shine with Jeff Chan and Eddie Laure contributing huge baskets at the finish as the Elasto Painters outlasted the Realtors in a furious battle.

Gary David, meanwhile, came through with a productive game in his first game versus his former team, leading the Tigers to the six-point win over the Whoppers.

Sta. Lucia and Burger King took the exit in the all-Filipino tourney with the Realtors winding up eighth and the Whoppers ninth.

“We survived Sta. Lucia Realty but it’s only the first half of the task we have to accomplish in this tough wildcard round,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia. “We still have a tough job ahead of us versus Coca-Cola.”

“We’ve got past Burger King and we’re now looking forward to our Wednesday game versus Rain or Shine. Hopefully, we can sustain the momentum,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

Against Sta. Lucia, the Elasto Painters had to overcome Kelly Williams’ 27 points and 18 rebounds and Jason Urbiztondo’s six three-pointers.

Rain or Shine pulled through as Mercado, Chan, Laure, Mike Hrabak and Gabe Norwood teamed up to outplay Williams, Urbiztondo, Ryan Reyes, Nelbert Omolon and Marlou Aquino at the finish.

Chan nailed two three-pointers, Laure converted a short jumper and a lay-up and Norwood made a fade-away shot in a decisive 12-4 exchange pushing Rain or Shine ahead to stay at 86-81.

The Realtors threatened for the last time at 86-88 before Laure sealed their win on another jumper with 11 seconds left in the contest.

Mercado led Rain or Shine with 18 points and seven rebounds with Norwood adding 15, Chan 14 and Arana 13.

Woe to the Realtors, Ryan Reyes struggled for a second straight game.

The usually prolific Fil-Am guard bled for four points after winding up with a fat zero versus Purefoods Friday.

Nonetheless, the Realtors engaged the Elasto Painters in a battle with Williams exploding for 17 points and 12 rebounds right in the first half.

Aquino and Joseph Yeo chipped in 16 and 12 points, respectively, but the rest of the Realtors groped for form.

They wound up eighth place in the tourney after being beaten by the Elasto Painters for the first time in the last three conferences.