Blackwater holds off RoS, earns quarters’ berth  

NARDS Pinto and import Henry Walker joined forces down the stretch as Blackwater held off Rain or Shine, 99-93, on Sunday to secure a slot in the quarterfinal round of the Philippine Basketball Association Season 43 Governors’ Cup at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna.

Despite being shackled by Rain or Shine’s defense particularly in the last quarter, the Elite was able to rely on its hot shooting from downtown throughout the game as it snared its sixth win in seven games, joining Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the quarterfinals.

Mike Digregorio fired four triples for 17 points, but it was Pinto and Walker who did the damage against Rain or Shine’s defense. Pinto was perfect from the field, scoring 6 out of 6 for 16 points, while Walker tallied 14 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists.

“We were focused on getting the sixth win today and I’m happy that my players achieved it,” said Blackwater coach Bong Ramos. “They really want to get that. We controlled the game.”

Pinto gave Blackwater breathing room in the waning seconds, 97-92, after hitting a three-pointer. After Maverick Ahanmisi’s split free throws, Digregorio sealed Blackwater’s win with two free throws with only a second remaining before the final buzzer.
Allein Maliksi and Paul Zamar added 13 and 11 points, respectively, for the Elite.
Ahanmisi posted 25 points for the Elastopainters, who dropped to a 0-4 win-loss record.
Rain or Shine played without Raymond Almazan and James Yap.
Scores:
Blackwater 99 – Digregorio 17, Pinto 16, Walker 14, Maliksi 13, Zamar 11, Jose 8, Belo 6, Sena 5, Javier 4, Sumang 3, Erram 2, Cortez 0.
Rain or Shine 93 – Ahanmisi 25, Watson 17, Daquioag 15, Ponferada 9, Torres 8, Belga 7, Borboran 5, Nambatac 4, Norwood 3, Washington 0, Tiu 0, Casino 0, Onwubere 0.
Quarters: 27-30, 47-39, 73-64, 99-93.

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