ROS ousts Blackwater in playoff race

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--A late 14-point cushion was enough for Rain Or Shine to hold on to a 102-98 win against Blackwater in their PBA Commissioner's Cup clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.

The Elasto Painters actually led by as much as 15, 70-55, in the third quarter. The Elite could only go to as close as eight, 80-88, midway in the fourth.

Rain Or Shine then stretched the gap to a 102-88 scoreline with a little over two minutes left in the game.

Blackwater mounted a late comeback bid as it went on a 10-0 run, but the rally fell short as time expired.

Wayne Chism had 30 points, while Paul Lee added 14 for the Elasto Painters, who overcame a 34 from Marcus Douthit and a season-best 20 from Val Acuña to eliminate the Elite from playoff contention for the second straight conference in their debut season.

Box Scores:

Rain or Shine 102--Chism 30, Lee 14, Belga 11, Tiu 10, Norwood 8, Tang 6, Quinahan 5, Jeri. Cruz 4, Almazan 4, Uyloan 3, Ibanes 2, Arana 2, Jervy Cruz 2, Chan 1, Teng 0

Blackwater 98--Douthit 34, Acuna 20, Heruela 15, Gamalinda 11, Reyes 6, Faundo 4, Canada 2, Rodriguez 2, Celiz 2, Bulawan 2, Erram 0, Ballesteros 0, Laure 0

Quarterscores: 18-20, 46-41, 78-65, 102-98