PBA: Rain or Shine sends San Miguel tumbling, keeps playoff bid alive

Rain or Shine held off San Miguel Beer,91-85, to keep its playoff aspirations alive Saturday night at Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

The Painters drew double-digit scores from four of their starters, including Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon, who countered most of the Beermen’s dogged tries at a comeback down the stretch.

Mocon and import Rich Ross each had a team-best 16 points as Rain or Shine improved to a 3-7 record, keeping a quarterfinal spot—though a long shot—within reach.

Nambatac, who sealed the deal with a free throw in the dying moments of the contest, had 15 points just like skipper Gabe Norwood, who turned in his finest scoring performance this conference.

San Miguel got the goods mostly from Chris Ross, who led the effort with 19 points, and hometown hero June Mar Fajardo, who chipped in 17 more.

Arwind Santos tossed in 14 points off the bench, while John Holland, pinch-hitting for injured reinforcement Dez Wells, only had 10 as the Beermen slid to No. 5 with a 6-4 card.