Rain or Shine clinches quarterfinals spot, beats top seed SMB

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Rain or Shine secured a spot in the quarterfinals after beating San Miguel Beer, 95-80, in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Beau Belga had an all-around effort with 19 points, seven rebounds, four assists and five steals to lead the shorthanded Elasto Painters, who were without injured veterans Chris Tiu and James Yap.

E-Painters center Raymond Almazan also left the game early after hurting his hand and did not return.

“At least now we’re assured of a playoff spot,” said ROS head coach Caloy Garcia. “But we also want to win our game on Friday so we could get to number four.”

“I credit the players. They battled it out today. [San Miguel] also relaxed a little bit so we took advantage of it,” added Garcia, whose squad faces Barangay Ginebra in their final game in the elimination round.

The Beermen came into the game already assured of the top seed and may have played the game safe. But that’s not to take anything away from the Painters, who still managed to take down the reigning three-time champions.

Rain or Shine went on an 11-1 run capped by a basket by Gabe Norwood to put the game away, 85-71, with 4:07 remaining.

Jewel Ponferada added 17 points while Mark Borboran and Norwood chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively for the Painters (6-4), who spoiled Alex Cabagnot’s first game back for San Miguel.

June Mar Fajardo had 19 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for the Beermen, who turned the ball over 24 times and only had 13 assists.

ROS, on the other hand, had 24 assists and only seven turnovers.

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