Rain or Shine survives Lastimosa's 35-point explosion, ousts Blackwater

MANILA, Philippines -- Rain or Shine weathered another scoring outburst from Carlo Lastimosa as the Elasto Painters moved to the knockout phase after surviving the Blackwater Elite, 95-90, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The Elasto Painters almost squandered a 15-point lead and had to watch the Elite flubbed their last five attempts to gut out the victory. 

After Gabe Norwood's three-point play gave Rain or Shine an eight-point cushion, 91-83, Blackwater threatened for the final time at 93-88 on a Raphy Reyes' triple. Jireh Ibanes canned two free throws while Frank Golla pegged the final count. 

Lastimosa exploded for 35 points, his third time to breach the 30-point mark this conference tying GlobalPort's Terrence Romeo. The nephew of former PBA player Jojo Lastimosa also added five rebounds and five assists but failed to muster enough support from the rest of the team. 

Art dela Cruz and JP Erram were the only other two Elite players in double figures chipping in 11 points apiece. 

Jeff Chan paced the Elasto Painters with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists while while JR Quinahan added 16 points, four boards and three assists. 

The Elasto Painters will meet the winner of the NLEX-Talk n Text match-up in the knockout phase of the quarterfinals.