The Rain or Shine local crew gallantly held the fort on the early exit of import Denzel Bowles on an injury and overcame the Alaska Milk Aces, 86-84, to move two notches up to joint sixth place in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
Mark Borboran was among those who stepped up on the sidelining of Bowles, coming through with 11 points and three rebounds in 18 minutes of action in the second half as the Elasto Painters snapped their two-game skid in this Petron Blaze Saturday Special.
Javee Mocon and Beau Belga also rose to the occasion on Bowles' exit as the E-Painters moved up to joint sixth spot with the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters at 4-5 while relegating the Aces down to eighth at 4-6.
The Aces failed to capitalize on Bowles' absence in the second half and went down to a fourth loss in a row.
"Bilang isa sa mga beterano sa team, I know I have to be always ready, like in this case na na-injured si Denzel Bowles," said Borboran.
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Actually, the entire ROS team stayed intact.
Down 81-84, the Aces had a chance to send the game into overtime play but Simon Enciso muffed a three-point try, then Diamon Simpson missed two follow-up shots.
Two charities by Mocon and a three-point conversion by Chris Banchero at the buzzer made it a two-point game at the buzzer.
Bowles had made 16 points and four rebounds before getting hurt after having played just 17 minutes and 55 seconds.
Mocon (11), Borboran (11) and Rey Nambatac (10) were three other ROS players who finished in double figures, with Belga, Gabe Norwood, Kris Rosales, Norbert Torres, Ed Daquiaog all adding at least six each.
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The Aces couldn't get the edge with only Banchero, Simpson and Vic Manuel delivering for the Aces.
Banchero led all scorers with 24 points while Simpson had another 20-20 game with 22 markers and 23 boards.
Manuel had 13 markers that went with five boards, one assist, one steal and one board. (SB)
