No MVP team in PBA Comm's Cup QF after ROS ousts NLEX

Earl Clark outplayed Ryan Pearson, but the latter still had the last laugh. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Down goes the last hope to see a Manny Pangilinan-owned team in the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals.

NLEX fell prey to Rain Or Shine in the play-in for the last quarterfinal spot with a 110-100 win on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena.

The Elasto Painters pulled away within the final seven and a half minutes of the game, going on a 21-6 run to break an 87-all tie and eliminate the Road Warriors.

Ryan Pearson made 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Andrei Caracut added 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists for ROS, which will face top-seeded Bay Area in the quarterfinals.

The Dragons only need one win to make the semifinals, and they can do so as soon as Friday night back at the PhilSports Arena.

Earl Clark dropped 37 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, while Don Trollano added 15 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists for NLEX, whose loss means the MVP Group will not have a quarterfinalist for the first time ever since the team and Meralco joined the league.

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