E-Painters trip Bolts, make QF

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine, on a roll since a 51-point demolition of Alaska Milk last Wednesday, walloped Meralco, 104-85, for a fourth straight win that propelled the team to third place and into the quarterfinals of the PBA PLDT Home Telpad Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Elasto Painters stood their ground in the face of the Bolts’ strong start before picking up their own offensive rhythm in the second quarter en route to notching their fifth win in eight games.

Dealing the Bolts their sixth loss against two wins, the E-Painters also towed Barangay Ginebra Kings (4-2), the Air21 Express (4-3) and the San Miguel Beermen (4-3) into the next phase.

Left to contest the last two slots in the Final Eight are Alaska Milk, Barako Bull, Meralco and Globalport.

“I hope it’s not too late as we’re looking to make the Top Four,” said Guiao.

“We started the tournament slow and we’re trying to make up for that. We still have a game left and I hope we don’t lose steam. Our last game is crucial if we’re to get a twice-to-beat (bonus in the quarters),” Guiao added.

The E-Painters, second placers in the first conference and second runners-up in the second confab, play reigning three-peat champs the San Mig Coffee Mixers in the last game of the elims Monday.

Arizona Reid and Raymond Almazan delivered double-double numbers with the rest of the team putting in their shares as Rain or Shine dominated Meralco in the last three quarters, leading by as many as 20 before completing another lopsided win.

“We’re just riding our momentum. We’re still playing good defense that’s why we’re winning. Everybody’s making contribution to the team even those coming off the bench, and the rookies,” said Guiao.

Rain or Shine cranked up in the second period and never let up in the final half of the match watched by Gilas Pilipinas naturalized candidate Andray Blatche.

Reid picked up his game in the second quarter, firing away 14 points to lead a RoS surge from 12 points down to five points up, 51-46, at the half.

The RoS import had had 17 points and eight rebounds as against Mario West’s 14 markers and three boards in the first two quarters.

Clifford Hodge got the Bolts to a strong start early on with a rare four-point play by the Fil-Am forward giving Meralco the 12-point spread at 33-21.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra, San Miguel Beer and Air21 pursue their own bids for the Top Four while Globalport fight for dear life in today’s twinbill at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The Express (4-3) and the Batang Pier (1-6) battle at 5:45 p.m. then the Gin Kings (4-2) and the Beermen (4-3) play at 8 p.m. in a match showcasing the first meeting of former collegiate rivals Junmar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter on pro hard court.

Fajardo was sidelined by an injury in his supposed first PBA clash with Slaughter in the Philippine Cup. Then an injury to Fajardo again got in the way in the Commissioner’s Cup. Their lone PBA showdown so far took place in the recent All-Star Game.

Fajardo brings with him monster averages of 21.8 points and 17.3 rebounds while Slaughter carries own double-double norms of 15.8 markers and 12.5 boards.