Resurgent ROS clings to 8th

MANILA, Philippines — It’s now more shine than rain for this resurgent Rain or Shine squad.

Regrouping after a 0-5 fumbling start, the Elasto Painters have gone on a four-game roll to get themselves well in play in the race for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.

Coach Yeng Guiao’s spirited charges, their confidence sky-high after handing pacesetting Magnolia its first loss in Cagayan de Oro, made Terrafirma the latest victim of their streak, 116-105, yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This continued tear allowed the Elasto Painters to strengthen their hold of No. 8 at 4-5 ahead of closest rival NLEX (3-6). ROS sits half a game behind seventh-running TNT (4-4).

For the Dyip (2-7), this sixth consecutive defeat severely jeopardized their playoffs quest especially with heavyweights San Miguel and Meralco in their closing elims slate.

Veteran Beau Belga provided the energy and leadership and topscored with 18 points for ROS while Jhonard Clarito earned player of the game honors with his career-high 16-point production spiked by a 6-of-8 clip.

Import Tree Treadwell matched Clarito’s score while posting 19 rebounds as Leonard Santillan also shot 16 and Andre Caracut rifled in 13 in supporting roles.

“It’s been a good combination of locals and our import. Our chemistry is getting better every game and maganda iyung sa lahat ng panalo namin, iba-iba ang naging best player so na-spread out iyung contribution,” said Guiao.

ROS managed to pull away from Terrafirma only in the last 10 minutes of the fourth when it went on a 22-15 closeout.

“We expected a hard game. Hindi naman basta-basta tatalunin ang Terrafirma because they’re also fighting for survival. Pag nanalo sila, magtatabla-tabla kami sa eighth place (along with NLEX). We knew they’ll play their hardest,” said Guiao.

Thomas De Thaey produced his PBA high of 31 but failed to lead the Dyip out of their skid.

Later, Magnolia secured a Top 4 ranking and twice-to-beat edge in the Last-8 at 9-1 with an 88-80 disposal of Converge, giving the FiberXers (1-8) the boot.