Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Rain or Shine Elasto Painters picked up their sixth straight victory with a win over the Meralco Bolts, 96-89, in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup match at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Sunday (June 21).
More importantly, the Elasto Painters secured the third seed and the twice-to-beat edge it entails with a 7-4 win-loss record heading into the quarterfinals.
Import Wendell McKines sizzled with 26 points on top of 13 rebounds and two blocks for Rain or Shine, which bucked a putrid 1-4 start in the season ending conference and didn’t let up when it started piling up victories.
“First off, we got healthy. We stayed together, played hard, and followed the directions of coach Yeng (Guiao),” said McKines moments after the conquest of the Bolts.
A 9-0 surge late in the fourth period capped by a Beau Belga breakaway layup gave Rain or Shine an 89-78 cushion.
But the Bolts still had gas left in their tank and used it for a last-gasp fightback.
Jared Dillinger and Gary David hit a three-pointer to propel an 11-5 windup that got the Bolts within five, 89-94.
But Meralco botched a crucial possession after that and Jericho Cruz made a pair of shots from the foul line to seal the win for the Elasto Painters.
Meralco tied Star Hotshots at sixth spot with a pedestrian 5-5 record.
