ROS, SMBeer turn back foes

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ANTIPOLO—Dondon Hontiveros and Tony Dela Cruz may have wanted to leave the game on the saddle of victory. But Rain or Shine had business to attend to.

The Elasto Painters ripped Alaska, 112-82, Wednesday in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup at Ynares Sports Center here, strengthening their bid for a top four finish going into the playoffs.

Rain or Shine improved to 6-4 and stayed in the hunt for a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals while the Aces bid farewell to two of their stalwarts—and their season—with a 3-8 card.

San Miguel Beer held off Phoenix, 109-107, to also bolster its top-four drive.

The Beermen found themselves in a dogfight in the stretch with the already-out Fuel Masters but held on for their seventh win in 10 outings.

Rain or Shine broke the game wide open with a big second-quarter run before stretching the lead to 98-61 after opening the fourth with a 15-0 run.

“I just told the players that we will go up against Alaska and that they should play like they want to win,” said ROS head coach Caloy Garcia.

While it wasn’t the best way for them to exit the game, Hontiveros and Dela Cruz will always look back at the fond memories they created in the PBA.

“I learned so many things; coach Alex [Compton] told us in the locker room that even if we leave the relationship is still there,” said Hontiveros, who had three titles overall in his 17-year career in the PBA.

“Obviously I didn’t have the accolades, the trophies, the championships I wish I had but I got to meet some really great people, played against awesome opponents, imports, and played for great coaches in the best league in Asia,” said Dela Cruz, who also won three titles, all with the Aces.