Painters KO Bulls, reach quarterfinals

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine dished out its A-game in a big turnaround from an atrocious showing in a playoff match with Barangay Ginebra Sunday, hacking out a 96-88 win over Barako Bull to advance to the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference quarterfinal round at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Sol Mercado put in all but two of his 29 points in the first half then his teammates took over at resumption of the contest as the Elasto Painters delivered the knockout punch on the Energy Boosters, gaining another shot at the Final Four either against the Purefoods Giants or the Talk n Text Tropang Texters.

“I think the team’s character came out today after our embarrassing loss to Ginebra. We worked hard in practice the last two days and, good thing, we hurdled Red Bull right in this game. The new Red Bull import (Jamaal Williams) might be in a better shape if we’re to play them in another game,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

Rain or Shine eased Barako Bull out of contention, giving the Energy Food and Drinks franchise its worst season since joining the league in 2000.

Barako Bull ended up with a 7-26 win-loss card in the 2008-09 campaign – worse than its 16-22 mark on its maiden year in the pro league.

Fielding a third import replacement in Jamaal Williams didn’t stop Barako Bull from taking the longest losing streak of nine games for the franchise.

Rain or Shine, on the other hand, stayed on course for a major breakthrough in the franchise’s history.

“We kept our heads high despite the loss to Ginebra Sunday. We’re ready to get it (a semis berth) the hard way,” said Garcia, whose chargers are determined to give the franchise its first ever semifinal appearance.

Missing an outright semis berth on a loss to Ginebra, Rain or Shine moved closer to achieving it via the backdoor as the Elasto Painters got past the Energy Boosters in the wildcard round.

Mercado played the key role as he got the team off to a strong start, pouring 27 of his 29 points in the first half. It was the largest output in a half by any player since Dondon Hontiveros made the feat in January.

“Coming off a tough game, we need to show our heart. We did and we played hard throughout,” said the Rain or Shine rookie, who finished with 29 points for the third time this year.

Mercado could have easily set a new personal best if not for a suspected strained hamstring he suffered with over five minutes left to play.

The Elasto Painters took the half at 57-45 with Mercado firing 16 in the first quarter then adding 11 in the second.

Rob Wainwright, Gabe Norwood and Tyrone Tang took over in the third as Rain or Shine stretched its lead to 21 at 81-60.