Elasto Painters oust Realtors from PBA quarterfinals

source: gmanews.tv

Rain or Shine leaned on a finger-roll by Eddie Laure in the final 11 seconds to beat Sta. Lucia, 90-86, and slam the door on the Realtors in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City Sunday.

Laure defied the presence of 6-foot-9 Marlou Aquino in getting the shot in, clinching for the Elasto Painters the victory that arranged for them another knockout game on Wednesday either with Burger King or Coca-Cola for the right to face Purefoods in the quarterfinals.

“We can’t celebrate yet," said Rain or Shine ace guard Sol Mercado, who came away with 18 points and seven rebounds merely two days after setting a career-high 35 against Alaska Friday. “We’re not satisfied with this."

The Realtors tried to trim the gap to within a single basket, but rookie Josh Urbiztondo, previously making big shots one after the other, missed his three-point attempt this time.

“Sta. Lucia is a tough team and we were just lucky," said RoS coach Caloy Garcia. “We worked hard in practice and made the adjustments in our zone defense. And practically everybody stepped up."

Gabe Norwood added 15 points, Jeff Chan contributed 14 and Ryan Araña had 13 for the Elasto Painters, who prefer to face Burger King next if they have a choice.

“Based on the line-up, mas maganda Burger King ang kalaban height-wise and strength-wise," said Garcia.

Kelly Williams had another remarkable performance for the Realtors, scattering 27 points and 18 rebounds in a game that likewise sealed his fate of winning the Best Player of the Conference award.

Urbiztondo added 20 points – 18 coming at the three-point region – Marlou Aguino had 15, and Joseph Yeo shot 12 for the Realtors, who didn’t get much from Ryan Reyes and Nelbert Omolon, who could only produce four points apiece.

The Elasto Painters fought the Realtors basket for basket, before Jeff Chan hit a triple to tie the count for the final time at 77 with 4:42 left to play.

Laure then connected on a short jumper from the left corner and Chan once more hit a triple as Rain or Shine moved up for good, 82-77, with 3:19 remaining.

But the Elasto Painters had to weather one last stand by the Realtors after that five-point lead.

After Sta. Lucia and Rain or Shine bungled possessions, the Realtors called for a time-out with 35 seconds left. Urbiztondo inbounded the ball, darted a pass to Ryan Reyes, but got the ball back. He then quickly launched a three-point shot that swooshed in, wasting merely four seconds from the clock.

But Rain or Shine retaliated with its own splendid play. Mercado, nearly trapped at the top of the keyhole by Williams, dished off a pass to Laure, who took it strong to the hoop despite the outstretched arms of Aquino.

The scores

Rain or Shine 90 - Mercado 18, Norwood 15, Chan 14, Arana 13, Telan 9, Reyes 8, Laure 8, Hrabak 3, Cruz 2, Dulay 0, Ibanes 0.

Sta. Lucia Realty 86 - Williams 27, Urbiztondo 20, Aquino 16, Yeo 12, Reyes 4, Omolon 4, Misolas 2, Pacana 1, Daa 0, Espinas 0, Mendoza 0.

Quarterscores: 20-22, 40-34, 66-62, 90-86.