Lewis rescues Painters vs Texters in overtime

MANILA, Philippines – Jai Lewis converted a follow-up shot following a muffed drive by Sol Mercado in the closing seconds and Rain or Shine eked out a 118-116 win over Talk n Text in overtime, enhancing its bid for a strong finish in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference classification round at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Elasto Painters, the second worst team at free-throw, again fouled up from the foul line but nailed clutch field-goal baskets in scoring a second straight win that improved its record to 7-5.

Lewis himself fared badly from the stripe but still came through with a game-high 29 points, including the game-winning in the dying seconds.

The burly import had a chance to win the game earlier but he split his charities with 3.9 ticks left in regulation play.

In overtime, the Elasto Painters again had a chance to get the game in the bag early but Gabe Norwood also missed a crucial free throw.

Getting the offensive rebound, the Tropang Texters went to rookie Jason Castro who rifled in a booming three-pointer to tie the count at 116-all with nine seconds left.

In the ensuing play, the Elasto Painters put the ball on the hands of Mercado. The Rain or Shine freshman missed on the drive but Lewis was there to get the defensive rebound and the putback.

Thus, the Elasto Painters avenged a 96-102 defeat to the Texters in their previous tiff, notching a second straight win coming on the heels of a four-game slump.

Despite the entry of new import Gary Forbes, the Texters remained on a slump, sliding deeper in the lower half of the chart with a 5-6 win-loss card.     

Early fouls kept Forbes from getting into the groove right away.

With three quick infractions, Forbes stayed on the bench most of the first half. He made only two points in the opening half but scattered 15 in the second and added four in overtime.

He also had his chance to win the game in regulation but missed a harried three-pointer.

Jimmy Alapag was also stymied by early fouls but had his exploits in the second helping the Texters drag the Elasto Painters in an exciting see-saw battle.

With Forbes and Alapag on the bench most of the first half, Macmac Cardona and Castro carried the cudgels for the Texters, firing 12 points apiece.