Despite recent drama, ROS holds off Meralco

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Logo. (Photo: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters/Facebook)

MANILA— With the recent behind- the-scene drama regarding Rain Or Shine, the team somehow found a way to hack out a huge win.

The Elasto Painters had a timely surge down the stretch to defeat the Meralco Bolts, 90-84, at the Mall of Asia Arena in a PBA game Friday night.

ROS broke loose down the stretch with a 7-0 run, the last five points coming from Chris Tiu, to go out of a 79-all deadlock and take the lead for good, 86-79, with 52 seconds left, holding off Meralco’s gallant stand in the end.

Tiu finished with 18 points, 13 in the final quarter, with three rebounds, seven assists, and two steals, while Ed Daquioag added 16 points and three steals for ROS.

Beau Belga, one of three players who were in the headlines recently, tallied 13 markers and 13 boards for a double-double with three dimes and one steal.

KG Canaleta led Meralco with 24 points, eight caroms, and three assists.

Box Scores:

Rain Or Shine 90: Tiu 18, Daquioag 16, Belga 13, Yap 11, Ahanmisi 9, Ponferada 6, Almazan 6, Borboran 4, Norwood 3, Cruz 2, Nambatac 2

Meralco 84: Canaleta 24, Hugnatan 13, Amer 8, Lanete 8, Dillinger 7, Newsome 5, Hodge 4, Caram 4, Baracael 4, Faundo 4, Tolomia 3, Salva 0, Ballesteros 0

Quarterscores: 26-21, 45-39, 65-66, 90-84