The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will duel with the Converge FiberXers in the quarterfinals of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
In their bid to evade a playoff for the last quarters berth, Rain or Shine or Shine coach Yeng Guiao dug deep and found a gem in Anton Asistio.
Asistio repaid Guiao’s trust and delivered a career-high six triples in the Elasto Painters’ crucial 106-96 win over TNT to close the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup elimination round Friday, Jan. 31.
The former Ateneo guard finished with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal.
When Asistio faced reporters after the match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, he did not make Rain or Shine's win about himself.
“I’m just very happy na nanalo kami today at nakaiwas kami sa playoff for the eighth spot,” Asistio said.
“Just happy with the way the team competed kahit nag-run 'yung TNT.”
Guiao was just as happy, knowing the Elasto Painters claimed the sixth spot and avoided a playoff for No. 8 against Magnolia.
“It’s our biggest win this conference,” said Guiao.
“Ayaw na naming mag-playoff kaya sabi ko, ibuhos ninyo na sa larong ito lahat ng makakayanan natin.”
[RELATED STORY: Victolero one proud mentor as Magnolia lives another day: 'I think we have a good chance']
The Elasto Painters did leave it all on the floor, even leading by 17 points, 98-81, halfway through the fourth period behind Asistio and Deon Thompson, who combined for 19 points in that quarter.
Thompson wound up a with team-high 22 points that went with 16 rebounds, five assists and a block.
The win set them up for a best-of-three quarterfinal joust against No. 3 Converge.
“This is the best scenario for us considering after our five-game winning streak, medyo masama ang nilalaro namin. Mabuti at nakabawi kami,” Guiao said.
[ALSO READ: Ticking off my Bucket List: Leonard Santillan wants to enjoy snow in these countries]
Frustration piled up for the Tropang Giga in the face of a furious Rain or Shine barrage in the fourth period.
Fortunately for coach Chot Reyes’ wards, they will still head to the quarterfinals as the No. 2 seed and thus armed themselves with the twice-to-beat incentive.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson paced TNT with an all-around effort of 23 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and three blocks.
But fatigue seemingly caught up with the do-it-all reinforcement as he limped his way back to the bench with still three minutes and seven seconds left to play.
Calvin Oftana had 20 points but cooled off in the fourth period where he wound up scoreless. He also chipped in eight rebounds, four assists and a steal.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 106 – Thompson 22, Asistio 21, Santillan 20, Tiongson 13, Caracut 9, Nocum 8, Belga 5, Datu 3, Clarito 3, Malonzo 2, Norwood 0.
TNT 96 – Hollis-Jefferson 23, Oftana 20, Pogoy 13, Erram 13, Nambatac 11, Williams 6, Razon 4, Castro 3, Khobuntin 3, Galinato 0, Exciminiano 0, Aurin 0.
Quarterscores: 23-27, 57-44, 75-74, 106-96