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Rain Or Shine stays alive in quarterfinal hunt with stunner over Meralco

Rich Ross helped the Elasto Painters stay alive in the quarterfinal hunt. PBA Media Group
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Rain Or Shine salvaged what is left of its chances to make the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals after subduing Meralco, 83-81, on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Elasto Painters came alive in the final quarter, outscoring the Bolts, 23-12, to steal the win.

Rich Ross put up 26 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks for ROS, which finished its elimination round stint at 4-7.

The team now needs to hope that Ginebra beats NorthPort in the next game to have a shot at one of the last two quarterfinal spots.

Rey Nambatac added 24 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Allen Durham put up 23 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks for Meralco, which fell to 8-3 to close out its own elimination round campaign and missed out on possibly finishing as number one after the eliminations.

The loss actually handed NLEX the top seed in the quarterfinals even if it loses to Alaska on Wednesday.

The scores:

Rain or Shine 83 - Ross 26, Nambatac 24, Exciminiano 8, Borboran 4, Ponferada 4, Mocon 4, Norwood 4, Rosales 3, Torres 3, Belga 3, Daquioag 0.

Meralco 81 - Durham 23, Amer 18, Almazan 18, Newsome 12, Quinto 6, Pinto 2, Caram 2, Faundo 0, Hodge 0, Salva 0.

Quarterscores: 23-21, 41-42, 60-69, 83-81.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno