ROS eliminates Blackwater from PBA Comm's Cup QF contention behind second half breakaway

Ryan Pearson finally notched a win as an Elasto Painter—and a crucial one at that. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Rain Or Shine sent Blackwater home after clobbering them, 116-97, in a crucial PBA Commissioner's Cup game on Friday at the PhilSports Arena.

In what looked like a virtual eliminator as both teams needed a win to stay alive in the quarterfinal race, the Elasto Painters stomped their class on the skidding Bossing late in the third quarter, finishing the period on a 12-3 run to blow the game wide open.

ROS even extended its lead to as high as 21 points as Blackwater struggled to find its way back into the game.

Ryan Pearson put up impressive numbers in his first PBA win, tallying 22 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and one steal as the E-Painters moved up to 5-6 in the team standings, tying the Phoenix Fuel Masters for seventh place.

Rey Nambatac added 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists as ROS now needs to beat Magnolia next week to possibly get the last ride to the Final 8.

Cam Krutwig put up 23 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and one steal in what would be his last game this conference for the Bossing, who lost their last six games to end their campaign even as they slipped to 3-9.

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