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| PBA |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASAY--Rain Or Shine may have missed out on an outright PBA Philippine Cup semifinal spot after an upset loss to NLEX.
On Monday, the Elasto Painters finally clinched the spot.
ROS became the last member of the season-opening conference's Final Four after torching Talk 'n Text, 104-89, in their knockout quarterfinal match on Monday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Elasto Painters pulled away for good in the fourth quarter by stifling the Tropang Texters defensively after engaging in a shootout in the third, limiting them to only 14 points in the final 12 minutes and eight in the first ten minutes of the last frame.
Raymond Almazan led seven Rain Or Shine players in double figures with 15 points along with ten rebounds and three blocks, while Jeff Chan added 13 markers, six boards, three assists, and four steals.
Jayson Castro had a game-high 25 points along with 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals for Talk 'n Text.
The Elasto Painters will next face the San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals starting on Jan. 5.
Box Scores:
Rain Or Shine 104-Almazan 15, Trollano 14, Chan 13, Cruz 11, Norwood 11, Quinahan 11, Ahanmisi 10, Ponferada 8, Belga 6, Tiu 5, Ibanes 0
Talk 'n Text 89-Castro 25, Tautuaa 14, Aban 11, R. Reyes 10, Rosario 10, Seigle 10, Williams 5, J. Reyes 2, Fonacier 1, Rosser 1, Ababou 0, Carey 0, Miranda 0
Quarterscores: 26-20, 52-44, 84-75, 104-89
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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