Painters rein in Bulls, finish year with 4th win

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine came away with an inspiring victory in its final game in the year, whipping Barako Bull, 88-72, in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Astrodome last night.

Sol Mercado checked a personal slump, pouring in 24 points as the Elasto Painters stopped a three-game skid to firm up their hold of seventh place nearing the homestretch of the double-round preliminary phase.

Rain or Shine now has a 4-10 (win-loss) card, grabbing a one-game lead over Coca-Cola (3-11) and two over Barako Bull (2-11).

“We’re determined to win as we don’t want to hold our Christmas party coming off a loss. This is our last game in the year. Hopefully, this win could give us momentum as we plunge back into action in 2010,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

“It’s an important win as it gave us a two-game edge over Barako Bull. Had we lost, we’re back in the cellar,” Garcia said.

The Elasto Painters dominated the Energy Boosters after falling behind at 22-29 in the early going as Jeff Chan, Mike Hrabak and Jervy Cruz and the other Rain or Shine players piled up big numbers to give Rain or Shine a 44-38 lead at the turn.

Rain or Shine sustained its form at resumption of the contest, building leads of as many as 21 points, 64-43, in the third period.

The Energy Boosters failed to recover after squandering a seven-point lead in the opening period and reeled to their 10th straight loss after starting the season with a 2-2 slate.

Barako Bull has gone on a skid since pulling off an 89-81 win over Rain or Shine last Oct. 28.

“Sol hasn’t played that much in the season because of injuries. He could have been the difference in some of our losses. He did well tonight, giving us a big lift,” said Garcia of Mercado.

“Jeff Chan and Mike Hrabak also played key roles as they hit their outside shots and in the process opened the lanes for Mercado in his attacks,” Garcia said.

Mercado, averaging only 10 points in the season, made 24 in this game on 10-of-18 field-goal shooting that went with three charities.

Chan and Hrabak combined for seven triples and a total of 27 points.

Mark Cardona came through with his third 30-point job in their last four games with six other Talk n Text Tropang Texters also finishing in double figures as they overcame the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 117-112, in a high-scoring duel to stay right behind pacesetters the San Miguel Beermen and the Alaska Milk Aces.