Rain or Shine stays alive, upsets Meralco

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MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine stunned Meralco, 83-81, Sunday night in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The Painters pulled out all the necessary stops in the payoff period to upset the Bolts and afford themselves a chance at securing a playoff spot.

Import Rich Ross had 26 points while Rey Nambatac 24 as Rain or Shine wrapped up their elimination round campaign with a 4-7 record.

Allen Durham had 23 for Meralco, which settled for an 8-3 record with a twice-to-beat armor already secured the week before.

Rain or Shine’s quarterfinal aspirations will be determined by the result of the game between Barangay Ginebra and NorthPort currently being played as of posting time.

A victory by the Batang Pier snuffs out the Painters’ chances. A win by the Gin Kings, on the other hand, will keep NorthPort in the hunt.

The scores:

Rain or Shine 83 – Ross 26, Nambatac 24, Exciminiano 8, Borboran 4, Ponferada 4, Mocon 4, Norwood 4, Rosales 3, Torres 3, Belga 3, Daquioag 0.

Meralco 81 – Durham 23, Amer 18, Almazan 18, Newsome 12, Quinto 6, Pinto 2, Caram 2, Faundo 0, Hodge 0, Salva 0.

Quarterscores: 23-21, 41-42, 60-69, 83-81.