Bolts slip past Painters

MANILA, Philippines -- The Meralco Bolts survived the gritty Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 107-102, to barge into the win column of the young PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

After being down by 13, 50-63, going into the half, Rain or Shine was able to keep the lead within striking distance as Dajuan Summers, Santi Santillan and Andrei Caracut hit timely shots.

After a 3-pointer by Meralco’s Suleiman Braimoh, the Bolts took an 82-73 lead at the 10:24 mark of the final quarter.

The Elasto Painters fought back and cut the deficit to two, 95-97, following a trey by Santillan.

Braimoh, however, answered with a triple of his own in the next possession to keep a five point cushion.

After a pair of free throws by rookie Keith Datu to nip the deficit to three, Allein Maliksi made a trey to grab a 103-97 buffer.

After Jhonard Clarito and Chris Newsome exchanged two point baskets, Datu missed a pair of free throws with 1:41 left that proved to be costly.

A Caracut pullup trey pulled Rain or Shine to within three with 28 seconds left.

However, a pair of Maliksi free throws with 18 seconds remaining iced the game.

Summers missed a pair of three pointers late as time expired.

Braimoh led Meralco with 34 points and 14 rebounds.

Gilas guard Chris Newsome followed suit with 20 points.

Summers carried the offensive load for Rain or Shine with 27 points and nine rebounds.

Santillan and Datu had 16 markers each.