Sol stays as stricken father improves

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine prized guard Sol Mercado is staying put to finish all their remaining games in the PBA Fiesta Conference with his father Aaron in better condition after suffering a severe heart attack in the United States.

Mercado made the decision yesterday morning after being advised that his father has had a successful surgery.

Mercado and his team play the Coca-Cola Tigers tomorrow in the last knockout stage of the wildcards determining the team that will advance to the best-of-five quarterfinals versus the B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados.

Mercado was earlier planning to board the first available flight to the US to be by his father’s bedside.

Despite being unsettled by his father’s critical condition early Sunday, Mercado churned out a big game, helping Rain or Shine survive Air21, 92-89, in the initial stage of the wildcards.

Mercado himself came through with the game’s most important play, intercepting a pass by Wynne Arboleda then scoring on a breakaway layup to hold off the Express’ endgame challenge.

“Sol just showed he’s a real pro,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

Mercado logged 17 points, seven rebounds, five steals and four assists, and the Elasto Painters bundled out the Express to set up another knockout game with the Coke Tigers for last available slot in the quarters.