PBA: Rain or Shine continues hot streak, escapes Meralco

MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine extended its winning streak to four after squeaking past Meralco, 85-83, in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fresh off a thrilling win over Magnolia on Friday, the Elasto Painters bucked the Bolts to improve to a 4-2 record.

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“This is one of our worst games [this conference] but we found ways in the endgame to carve out the win,” coach. Yeng Guiao said.

Rain or Shine import Aaron Fuller delivered the game-winning basket, 85-83, with 39 seconds left. Fuller finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds.

“We can score the ball, but we can also stop you on defense, and I think that’s the biggest thing for our winning streak,” said Fuller.

Adrian Nocum, the hero for Rain or Shine in its 98-97 win over Magnolia, missed two free throws with 13.2 ticks to go that would’ve given the Painters a four-point cushion.

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Nocum was also called for a foul that sent Meralco guard Bong Quinto to the free throw line for a chance to tie the game. Quinto, however, also botched a pair of freebies with two seconds left.

The loss dropped the Bolts to 2-4 in Group B.

Deo Cuajao stepped up anew for Rain or Shine lwith 12 points while Jhonard Clarito and Caelan Tiongson contributed 11 points each.

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Chris Newsome topscored for Meralco with 16 points while Antonio Hester recorded 15 points and 13 rebounds. Cliff Hodge and Javee Mocon chipped in 14 each.