Saudi Gazette MANILA — The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters completed the semifinals cast of the PBA Philippine Cup, easily dispatching the Talk N Text Tropang Texters, 104-89, in its knockout quarterfinal clash Monday. The Painters will go up against the defending champion San Miguel Beermen in a best-of-seven semifinals series that starts next Monday. ROS quickly raced to a 20-9 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, repulsing all attempts by TNT to get back into the game. Raymond Almazan posted a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds on top of three blocks to lead ROS. The 6'9" sophomore ROS center dominated paint and scored nine of the Painters' first 15 points of the game. Six other Painters scored in double digits in a balanced display of offensive might. Rookie Don Trollano finished with 14 points while sharpshooter Jeff Chan added 13 markers. Gabe Norwood, Jericho Cruz and JR Quinahan scored 11 points apiece while Maverick Ahanmisi added 10. The Painters appeared to have recovered from the scoring slump in their last two games when they lost to NLEX in their final elimination-round game, which cost them the ticket for an outright semifinals berth. The Painters also looked sluggish in their last game against the lowly Blackwater Elite but managing to win nonetheless. But all these appeared to be water under the bridge as Painters dominated the Texters from start to finish, leading by as much as 19 points, 100-81, with 5:38 left. The Painters reached 100 points with 5:43 still to play. Jayson Castro led the Texters with 25 points, 11 rebounds and four assists while Moala Tautuaa finished with 14 points and eight boards. Aaron Aban had 11 while Raffy Reyes, Danny Seigle and Troy Rosario scored 10 points apiece. Game Jan. 4, 2016: San Miguel Beermen vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (Game 1 of best-of-7 semifinals).
