Aaron Fuller took over in crunch time, lifting Rain or Shine past TNT, 98-94, Saturday night, September 26, in the PBA On Tour at Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur. The veteran forward erased a 10-point deficit almost by himself.

Fuller turned a potential blowout into a statement win, finishing with a game-high 27 points. His basket tied the score at 94-94 before Rain or Shine pulled away for good.

Fuller’s Fourth-Quarter Explosion Buries TNT

TNT led by as many as 10 points twice in the final period and looked in control. That changed when Fuller caught fire, fueling a 19-5 run over the last four minutes.

The run flipped a 79-89 deficit into a 96-94 lead. Rookie Deo Cuajao delivered the go-ahead basket off a transition drive right after Fuller’s tying jumper.

Big man Caelan Tiongson added 11 points, while Christian Manaytay and Stanley Pringle each chipped in eight. The trio rounded out a balanced supporting cast for the Elasto Painters.

Rain or Shine pulled off the win despite sitting out Leonard Santillan, Joshua David and Adrian Nocum. Nocum was still easing back after playing for Gilas Pilipinas at the Nagoya Asian Games.

TNT’s Shorthanded Roster Costs Them Late

TNT entered the game without head coach Chot Reyes, who sat out as deputy Sandy Arespacochaga ran the bench. The Tropang 5G also chose not to play newly signed import Nic Hornsby.

Hornsby was brought in as a replacement for Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, leaving TNT import-less for the contest. Rey Nambatac paced the team’s scoring with eight points.

TNT’s offense stalled once Fuller and Rain or Shine found their rhythm in the final stretch. The loss closed out TNT’s run in the five-game PBA On Tour exhibition slate.

The event was held during the PBA’s break for FIBA World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Games. Candon City Mayor Eric Singson gave the Elasto Painters a cash prize after the win. He was joined by Commissioner Willie Marcial and Vice Mayor Atty. Kristelle G. Singson.