Rain or Shine is heading into the semifinals for the second straight conference after besting Magnolia in Game 5 of the PBA Governors' Cup Last Eight.
Andrei Caracut came up clutch as Rain or Shine edged Magnolia, 113-103, in the deciding Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals at the Ynares Center Antipolo on Saturday, Oct. 5.
The Elasto Painters thus joined Ginebra and TNT in the semifinal round.
Caracut scored eight of his 14 points inside the final three minutes, including the free throws that gave the team a comfortable 111-101 buffer with 24.2 ticks left to play.
It was import Aaron Fuller, though, who topscored for Rain or Shine with 26 points that went with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.
Jhonard Clarito and Adrian Nocum finished with 17 points apiece for the Elasto Painters, who will face idle TNT in a best-of-seven semifinals.
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“Pinaka-proud ako doon sa lumaban lang sila. They just competed. They fought it out. Hindi sila bumigay under pressure. It’s just the fighting heart that the guys showed,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.
Jabari Bird paced the Hotshots with 23 points, 15 rebounds, two assists and a block.
Calvin Abueva added 16 points and five rebounds.