ROS forces rubber match in Comm Cup finals

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--We're heading to a Game 7!

Rain Or Shine brought the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals to one last match with a 101-93 Game 6 win over Talk 'n Text at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.

With their backs against the wall, the Elasto Painters battled back from a 10-0 start by the Tropang Texters and opened a 54-38 lead late in the first half.

The Tropang Texters slowly crawled back and cut the lead to as low as three, 82-79, in the fourth quarter.

The Elasto Painters, however, maintained control of the game and rebuilt a ten-point cushion with 3:17 left. They also responded at every shot by the Tropang Texters.

Talk 'n Text had one more push as back-to-back triples pushed the team to within four, 93-97, with 16.7 seconds remaining.

But Wayne Chism sealed the win for Rain Or Shine withfour straight free throws plus a steal on the other end.

Chism finished with 18 points, 24 rebounds, and two blocks for the Elasto Painters. Raymond Almazan added 18 markers, ten boards, and a swat.

Ranidel De Ocampo led the Tropang Texters with 21 points and six rebounds.

Hounded by foul trouble, Ivan Johnson was limited to only six points and six rebounds.

Game 7 will be played on Wednesday night at the same arena.

Box Scores:

Rain or Shine 101--Chism 18, Almazan 18, Lee 16, Chan 11, Jeri. Cruz 10, Quinahan 9, Tiu 7, Norwood 6, Ibanes 3, Arana 3, Uyloan 0, Teng 0, Jerv. Cruz  0, Belga 0

Talk N Text 93--De Ocampo 21, Castro 17, Washington 14, Carey 13, Fonacier 11, Johnson 6, Alas 4, Williams 4, Rosser 3, Aban 0

Quarterscores: 23-18, 54-42 76-71, 101-93