Rain or Shine booked its quarterfinal ticket the hard way, holding off a furious Blackwater rally for a 125-123 win on Saturday, Oct. 17. Sedrick Barefield’s final attempt missed at the buzzer, ending the Bossing’s comeback bid at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Elasto Painters improved to 5-3 in Group B and became the third team to clinch a quarterfinal berth, joining Magnolia and Phoenix. Blackwater slipped to 3-6 in the PBA Governors’ Cup, leaving its playoff bid in jeopardy.

Aaron Fuller, Caelan Tiongson Lead Rain or Shine

Aaron Fuller scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and grabbed 19 rebounds after battling early foul trouble. His baskets helped Rain or Shine build a 13-point lead, 115-102.

Caelan Tiongson added 22 points, Adrian Nocum scored 20 and Felix Lemetti finished with 17. Nocum split his free throws late, leaving the door open for Blackwater until the final buzzer.

Coach Yeng Guiao said Rain or Shine felt the urgency after an earlier lopsided loss to Blackwater. “Pinaghandaan namin dahil tinalo kami nito ng malaking agwat nung first time kami magkita. Galing din kami sa talo so may sense of urgency kami,” he said.

Guiao added, “Isa pa, pag nanalo kami pasok na kami. So doble-doble ‘yung urgency sa amin para manalo. At ramdam namin na gusto talaga manalo ng mga bata kaya nairaos namin pero sakto lang talaga.”

Blackwater Quarterfinal Hopes Take Another Hit

Kentrell Barkley led Blackwater with 35 points and 15 rebounds, while Barefield scored 31, including 11 in the fourth quarter. Dalph Panopio’s three-pointer cut the deficit to 124-123 in the closing seconds.

Blackwater (3-6) is in a three-team scramble with Meralco (4-6) and Barangay Ginebra (3-5) for the last quarterfinal spot. The Bossing sit behind both rivals in the race.

Rain or Shine will face Magnolia on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Phoenix on Friday, Oct. 23. The Elasto Painters have reached the playoffs in eight straight conferences.