ROS KOs Blackwater, sets up QF with SMB

By JAY R. GOTERA MANILA The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters punched the eighth and last quarterfinals ticket in the PBA Philippine Cup, dominating the Blackwater Elite, 103-80, Friday night in their knockout match. The victory snapped ROS’ four-game losing streak, sending the Painters into another do-or-die battle with the top-seeded defending champions San Miguel Beermen Sunday. After a closely fought first quarter, which ended at 16-all, the Painters began pulling away, leading by as much as 25 points and never allowing the Elite to come closer than 13 points in the final quarter. ROS outscored Blackwater, 35-24, in the fourth period. The Painters used a crippling defense, limiting the Elite to just 34-percent shooting from the field, to secure the crucial victory. Six Painters scored in double digits led by Jay Washington led who finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. Rookie Mike Tolomia added 14 markers, all scored in the second half. Jericho Cruz had a double-double 12 points and 12 rebounds. Jeff Chan and Beau Belga also tallied 12 points each in whilr Maverick Ahanmisi added 11 markers. The victory followed ROS’ heartbreaking 94-89 loss to Alaska last Wednesday that sent the Painters into a knockout match against Elite. The Painters shook off fatigue after just a one-day rest to dominate the Elite with their patented running game, as shown by their 24 fast-break points. Sophomore and Gilas candidate Art dela Cruz led the Blackwater with 20 points, nine rebounds and three assists that all went down the drain. Frontcourt partner and rookie sensation Mac Belo, however, was limited to just six points on a miserable 2-of-12 shooting from the field. Blackwater finished at No. 9 in the team standings with a 5-6 win-loss record, ahead of Mahindra (10th at 3-8), Meralco (11th at 3-8) and NLEX (12th at 2-9). Games Saturday: (Quarterfinals) Star Hotshots vs. Phoenix Fuel Masters (Game 1, best of 3) and GlobalPort vs. TNT KaTropa (Game 1, best of 3).