Rain or Shine claimed the last quarterfinals slot after an 80-74 upset of TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup Tuesday at AUF Sports Arena & Cultural Center in Angeles, Pampanga.
The Elasto Painters picked up their sixth win in 10 games and will face top seed Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals with the Gin Kings owning a twice-to-beat advantage.
Javee Mocon hit five free throws in the final one minute and 28 seconds, including a pair that put the Painters ahead for good, 74-72, and a couple more to seal the victory, 79-74, with 19.5 ticks to go.
Mocon finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds while James Yap also scored 16 points.
TNT, which is already assured of a playoff spot, sorely missed the absence of its star guard Jayson Castro. Castro did not play reportedly due to knee soreness.
Troy Rosario had 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Tropang Giga but the forward had faltered down the stretch—missing an ill-advised triple that led to a fastbreak layup on the other end before committing an offensive foul in the ensuing play with his team down three with 23 seconds left.
Rain or Shine took a 67-57 lead heading into the final frame but went on a dry spell before Gabe Norwood sank a jumper from the baseline for a 72-69 edge with 3:31 left.
The Painters’ win also eliminated NLEX from playoff contention.