RoS fends off Blackwater rally; Guiao hits officiating

MANILA, Philippines -- Rain or Shine import Wayne Chism managed to finish the game with a solid all-around performance despite three quick fouls as the Elasto Painters fended off the Blackwater Elite, 102-98, to stay in contention for a Top Two finish in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

Though in foul-trouble situation, Chism dealt Blackwater tremendous damage with 17 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in the second half as the E-Painters clinched the crucial win that preserved their spot among the tournament leaders with four play dates left in the elims.

But the race for the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals has remained wide open. Complications still abound with the quotient system to break any tie at the close of the preliminary round on Wednesday.

“We don’t have total control of our destiny. We still need to win (tomorrow against Kia) and hope that Meralco or Talk n Text loses,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

“Whatever it is, we’ll try to win and will be happy with the result be it in the Top Two or out of it,” Guiao added.

The RoS local crew put in a big help as the Elasto Painters kept their Top Two aspiration with a 7-3 win-loss record going to their game against the Kia Carnival at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Big Dome.

Paul Lee, Beau Belga and Chris Tiu delivered at least 10 points each while Raymond Almazan snared 11 rebounds and added four points as the E-Painters repeated their 82-75 drubbing of the Elite in the all-Filipino tourney.

Blackwater slid deeper down the cellar at 2-8. It plays its last game in the tourney versus Meralco Wednesday.

“We took advantage of our import being fresher all game long. They (the Elite) had to play Marcus Douthit without relief, and he’s tired in the third and fourth quarters. That’s the risk they had to take,” said Guiao.

“We had the luxury to rotate our people. We were able to break in injured players Jeric Teng, Jericho Cruz and TY Tang. Overall, it’s positive for our guys. They’re going to be able to contribute for the rest of the tournament,” Guiao also said.

Guiao said a big key was their locals being able to hold the fort as Chism sat down long minutes after picking up three quick fouls.

Despite Chism out most of the second quarter, Rain or Shine carried a 46-41 lead over into the final half.

Chism scored clutch points in his return in the third quarter, helping the E-Painters stretched their lead to 78-65 going into the final canto.

The versatile RoS import added seven markers in the payoff period, including a three-pointer that gave the E-Painters a 95-82 lead entering the last four minutes of the contest.

The Elite made it close in the end with baskets coming off defensive stoppages in the dying seconds.

Guiao hit the officiating as he thought the referees stopped making calls in the final minute.

“I guess the refs stopped doing their jobs. Kahit nanalo ka, wala kang konsuelo sa panalo. I don’t want this to be a precursor of things to come, in terms of officiating,” said Guiao.

“As much as the players need to focus on the game, the refs should focus on their job, too,” Guiao added.