RAIN or Shine got 28 points and 16 rebounds from Wendell McKines, who keyed a come-from-behind 88-73 victory over Talk ‘N Text in a Petron Saturday Special Game of the PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday night that kept the Elasto Painters’ top four hopes alive at University of St. La Salle gym in Bacolod.
The hard-working Rain or Shine import tossed in 16 of his total in the second half and the Painters’ defense starved the Tropang Texters to just 30 points in the final two periods to rise to 3-4 overall.
It was the third straight loss in a similar 3-4 card for the Texters, who built double-digit leads right in the first quarter and were 43-36 up at the half only to sputter in the end.
Rain or Shine, one of the most consistent teams in the league with Final Four appearances in eight of the last nine conferences, steadily broke away in the fourth quarter with locals Raymond Almazan, Gabe Norwood and Jericho Cruz contributing heavily.
Meanwhile, a well-rested Barako Bull side slugs it out with Globaport Sunday with the Energy and the talented Liam McMorrow seeking to keep the solo lead.
Tip-off is at 3 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao with the Energy out to deny the Batang Pier outright entry into the playoffs even as defending champion Star and Barangay Ginebra clash in a crucial 5:15 contest.
While Barako Bull is already in the playoffs and the Batang Pier knocking on a quarterfinal berth, the Hotshots will be trying to keep their heads above water in their match against the Gin Kings.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 88—McKines 28, Chan 10, Almazan 10, Cruz Jericho 9, Uyloan 7, Belga 6, Quiñahan 6, Norwood 4, Tiu 4, Ibañes 2, Araña 2, Cruz Jervy 0, Lee 0.
TALK ‘N TEXT 73—Castro 16, Pettigrew 14, De Ocampo 13, Daghles 11, Fonacier 8, Rosser 5, Williams 5, Miller 2, Carey 1, Washington 0.
Quarters: 13-22, 36-43, 62-59, 88-73