Rain or Shine makes statement with victory over Talk ‘N Text

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Rain or Shine needed a defensive stop in the dying seconds to preserve a 92-90 win over Talk ‘N Text and finish with a franchise-best 8-1 mark at the end of the elimination phase of the PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Jamelle Cornley blocked an attempt by Ranidel de Ocampo inside the paint to seal the win for the Elasto Painters. Because of eliminations records of each team will be carried over to the semifinals, Rain or Shine needs just three wins to book a finals ticket for the first time in franchise history.

Cornley finished with a team-high 19 points while rookie Paul Lee, who was returning from a shoulder injury, added 18 for the Elasto Painters, which snapped the four-game winning streak of the Tropang Texters.

“Still a satisfying win against the best team in the league in the last few years,” said Rain coach Yeng Guiao.

“Talk ‘N Text has nothing to prove. The proof of burden lies on us. That we’re not just a contender. We need to prove that our time has come.”

Jayson Castro had a game-high 25 points for the Tropang Texters, who finished their eliminations campaign with a 5-4 win-loss mark.

Lee and Castro engaged in a shootout, exchanging basket after basket.

Castro scored five straight points to give Talk ‘N Text an 83-82 lead. Lee responded with a three-pointer, before Castro knotted the score for the last time at 85-all.

Cornley scored four points for the Painters that sandwiched Castro’s two free throws to give Rain or Shine a 91-87 lead.

Larry Fonacier gave Talk ‘N Text some life after converting a three-pointer off Castro’s missed attempt to cut the lead to one point, 91-90, with 3.8 seconds left.

Jeff Chan was sent to the free throw line and split his free throws, giving the Tropang Texters the chance to send the game in overtime with 3.1 ticks remaining.

De Ocampo received the ball inside the lane but was met by three Elasto Painters, including Cornley who swatted the ball away as time expired.

Import Paul Harris had 11 points and 13 rebounds for Talk ‘N Text.

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