PBA Commissioner’s Cup: Cardona explodes as Meralco defeats Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines—Mac Cardona extinguished Rain or Shine’s uprising in the fourth period to lead Meralco to a 93-84 victory Sunday in the 2012 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Cardona poured in 11 points in the payoff period to finish with 25 points for the surviving Bolts, who nearly squandered a 20-point lead in the face of a furious rally by Elastopainters.

“We’re playing through incredible instincts and we know what is at stake, it’s survival. In tonight’s game, we started strong. We are able to pad on,” said head coach Ryan Gregorio.

Meralco, struggling to get its groove early in the conference, notched its second straight win to improve to 3-2 and bolster its chances to make it to the second round.

Import Earl Barron posted a game-high 29 points along with 22 rebounds for the Bolts.

The Elastopainters, who have yet to double their first victory, came alive early in the fourth quarter behind efforts of Ronjay Buenafe, who came off the bench.

Buenafe scored all of his 12 points in the run, which inched Rain or Shine, putting the Elastopainters within 80-83 on a layup off  TY Tang’s assist.

Duke Crews finished with 21 and 14 rebounds on a losing cause.

Rain or Shine absorbed its fourth loss and is in danger of missing the cut for the quarterfinals after almost making it to the finals last conference.