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E-Painters survive Road Warriors' rally to take 96-91 win

By Dugout Philippines

Rain Or Shine held on to a 96-91 win against NLEX at the resumption of the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Elasto Painters staved off a late Road Warriors run to clinch the victory and spoil the anticipated debut of former NBA Rookie of the Year candidate Al Thornton.

Rain Or Shine led, 73-65, after the third quarter.

But a 7-0 run capped by a triple from Thornton pulled NLEX to within one to start the fourth.

The E-Painters threatened to pull away again as they scored six straight points to lead by seven, 79-72.

But a 12-4 run by the Road Warriors finally put them up, 84-83.

Another 7-0 spurt by Rain Or Shine put the club up, 90-84, with less than two minutes.

Rudy Lingganay then fired a triple to keep NLEX in the game, 87-90, with 1:15 left.

Paul Lee and Asi Taulava exchanged baskets to keep the margin at three with under a minute to go.

But Lee was not yet done as he drove for a layup with 20.7 seconds left to up ROS' lead to five.

Thornton still gave NLEX a fight as he slammed the ball quickly on the other end, leaving 16 seconds on the clock.

Lee then sealed the win for the Elasto Painters as he converted two free throws and the Road Warriors failed to score before the final horn.

Lee led Rain Or Shine with 25 points on 8-of-11 field goals and a perfect 6-of-6 free throws.