PBA: Rain or Shine escapes Blackwater to clinch q’finals spot

Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum goes for a layup against Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, October 17, 2026 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. PBA MediaMANILA — Rain or Shine is through to the quarterfinals of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup after fending off Blackwater, 125-123, on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Elasto Painters nearly squandered an 11-point lead in the final three minutes but survived a last-ditch flurry by the Bossing to rack up their fifth win in Group B.

With their 5-3 record, Rain or Shine joined Magnolia (6-3) and Phoenix (5-3) in the quarterfinals from their group. Meralco (4-6), Ginebra (3-5) and Blackwater (3-6) will dispute the final spot.

Aaron Fuller battled foul trouble to put up 24 points and grab 19 rebounds, while Caelan Tiongson added 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Adrian Nocum earned Player of the Game honors with his 20 points, as he delivered the crucial plays in the final period.

ROS led 121-110 with 2:50 to play and were still up 124-115 with 1:16 left after a Michael Malonzo three-pointer.

But a four-point shot by Sedrick Barefield breathed life into Blackwater, and they were down by just one possession after a split at the line by Kentrell Barkley, 124-120, with 49 seconds left.

Dalph Panopio knocked down a huge three-pointer with 18 seconds left to trim the deficit to one-point, 124-123, and a split at the line by Nocum kept the door open for the Bossing, 125-123.

Blackwater went for the win, but Barefield’s three-pointer at the buzzer was just off the mark.

Barkley finished with 35 points and 15 rebounds, while Barefield had 31 points. RK Ilagan added 24 points in the losing effort. 

Blackwater will try to keep its playoff hopes alive against Ginebra on Friday, while ROS will play Magnolia and Phoenix to close the elimination round.