BY FRANK CALAPRE CORRESPONDENT

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters eliminated the highly favored Sta. Lucia Realtors after pulling off a 90-86 win Sunday in the knockout wildcard phase of the 35th Philippine Basketball Association-KFC Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City. Gabe Norwood and Eddie Laure combined for 8 points down the stretch, moving the Elasto Painters closer to a spot in the quarterfinals.

“We worked hard in practice and made adjustments to our zone defense. Sta. Lucia is a tough team, we were just lucky to survive,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, who made it to the wildcard for the second straight All-Filipino Cup.

Rain or Shine will next face Coca-Cola, which successfully repulsed Burger King’s rally in the crucial stretch to carve a 118-112 victory in the other wildcard pairing Gary David spearheaded the Tigers’ attack with 21 points and 3 assists.

The Elasto Painters played a more aggressive game as they took a 40-34 advantage at the half, which they went on to preserve, 66-62, going into the pivotal period.

A quick 12-5 run ignited by Kelly Williams and Josh Urbiztondo moved the Realtors on top, 74-71 still 7:39 remaining. Jeffrey Chan sank back-to-back triples before Norwood regained the five-point lead for the Elasto Painters, 84-79, only 2:32 left in the match.

Sol Mercado led the charge of the Elasto Painters, finishing with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
Norwood chipped in 15 markers and Jeffrey Chan added 14 points.

Williams paced Sta. Lucia, which joined Barako Bull in the sideline, with 27 points.