MANILA — Glen Rice Jr. exploded for 43 points on top of 19 rebounds and nine assists to propel the TNT KaTropa Texters to a rousing 104-99 victory over the Star Hotshots in the PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Their seventh win in 10 games moved the Texters closer to a Top 4 finish with a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. TNT is currently tied with NLEX at third to fourth spot in the standings behind leader Ginebra (8-2) and Meralco (7-2).

Jayson Castro, RR Pogoy and Troy Rosario added 12 points apiece as the Texters dealt the Hotshots their fourth loss in nine games, sending them into a tie with Rain or Shine at sixth to seventh place and dimming their chances of joining the Top 4.

TNT led by as many as 17 points, 89-72, in the third quarter. But the Hotshots launched a 14-4 run in the fourth quarter to come to within two, 93-91, with 4:14 left. With TNT still ahead by just two points, 98-96, Rice responded with back-to-back baskets. After Star’s Paul Lee answered with a three-pointer, Rice nailed two free throws to seal the win for TNT.

New Star import Kristofer Cox, who replaced Malcolm Hill, debuted in the PBA, finishing with 18 points and 18 rebounds. Lee and Ian Sangalang added 17 points apiece in a losing effort.

Blackwater 118, GlobalPort 107

The Blackwater Elite secured a quarterfinals berth while eliminating the GlobalPort Batang Pier with a 118-107 victory, their fifth in 10 games.

The Elite’s victory completed the quarterfinals cast with still four play dates left in the eliminations. The loss by GlobalPort, its seventh in 10 games, also dashed the playoff hopes of the Alaska Aces (3-7) along with Phoenix (2-8) and Kia (0-10).

Completing the quarterfinals cast are Ginebra, Meralco, NLEX, San Miguel Beer, Star, TNT, and Rain or Shine. Seedings will not be known until the final elimination round play date next Sunday.

Allein Maliksi led the Elite with 22 points and five rebounds in 34 minutes in his first game for his new team after being traded by Star earlier this work.

Roi Sumang also sparkled for Blackwater, scoring 21 points, including four three-pointers. Import Henry Walker had a near triple-double, finishing with 19 markers, 13 rebounds, and nine assists along with five steals, and five blocks.

Mike DiGregorio tallied 16 points, including four triples, while Dave Marcelo and Paul Erram chipped in 13 and 11 markers, respectively.

Blackwater waxed hot from rainbow country, drilling 15 of 31 shots from beyond the arc.

The Elite led for most parts of the game, erecting their biggest lead at 21 points, 90-69, in the third quarter. But the Batang Pier fought back, cutting the deficit to just six points, 105-111, with less than two minutes left. Walker then scored on an easy layup after a timeout to put the game away.

The game saw the ejection of GlobalPort’s top gunner Terrence Romeo in the second quarter after he threw the ball hard on Walker in frustration. Romeo thought the Blackwater import bumped him on a drive to the basket, causing him to lose his balance resulting in a turnover. Romeo finished with 13 points, but his ejection proved to be a huge blow for his team.

Murphy Holloway led the Batang Pier with 28 points, 23 boards, three steals, and one block in 45 minutes. Stanley Pringle also had a huge game, finishing with 27 points. Mac Baracael added 11, all in losing effort.

Games Wednesday: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (5-4) vs. Alaska Aces (3-7) and Phoenix Fuel Masters (2-8) vs. San Miguel Beermen (6-3).