Meralco import Andrei Emmet fakes off Rain of Shine’s Jireh Ibanesz of Rain or Shine
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters kept alive their winning streak and more importantly earned a twice-to-beat incentive in the playoffs as they beat the Meralco Bolts in come-from-behind fashion, 96-89, last night in the 40th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Winner of six straight games, Rain or Shine secured the crucial twice-to-beat edge by locking up the number three seed, ending the elimination round with seven wins and four losses.
The top four teams after the eliminations will be twice-to-beat against their lower-ranked foes in the quarterfinal round.
Only one twice-to-beat edge is left as the Alaska Aces (8-2) and the San Miguel Beermen (8-3) have already assured themselves of the crucial advantage.
Wendell McKines piled up 26 points and 13 rebounds for the Elasto Painters, who came back from an early 17-30 deficit.
The Bolts dropped to a two-way tie at the sixth and seventh spots with similar 5-5 (win-loss) records.
Andre Emmett topped the Bolts with 33 points and 13 rebounds, while Gary David contributed 14.
The defending champions Star Hotshots earlier nipped the slumping Barako Bull Energy, 117-89.
It was Star’s second straight win, while Barako Bull tasted its fourth straight defeat although it is already assured of a playoff spot after ending the eliminations with a 6-5 slate.
Barako Bull has struggled since kicking off its campaign with a franchise-best 6-1 start.
Marqus Blakely fired a conference-high 33 points and hauled down eight rebounds.
“It was tough out there having to pour it on against coach Koy, but there was too much at stake for us,” said Star coach Tim Cone. “But we have to keep that opportunity to move forward and not take anything for granted.”
James Yap added 17 points, PJ Simon contributed 15, Alex Mallari scored 11 and Allein Maliksi added 10 in a balanced Star attack.
Liam McMorrow led Barako Bull with 23 points and 12 rebounds but failed to make an impact when the Energy needed him the most.
“We’ve studied him and he really impressed us so we really prepared for him,” said Cone.
JC Intal pitched in 14 points and Nico Salva and Dylan Ababou donated apiece.
Joseph Yeo continued to struggle for the Energy, going scoreless after averaging 15 points a game entering the match.