Gilbert Malabanan led the Elasto Painters with 19 markers but it was JayR Reyes and Jojo Tangkay who spelled the difference as the duo conspired in a backbreaking run in the second canto to pull away for good.

Tangkay, the leading candidate in the MVP race, scored seven of his 11 points in that run, while Reyes imposed his will inside the paint to help Rain or Shine take a commanding 47-34 advantage at the half.

With their defeat, their seventh in nine matches, the Insurers became the second team to be eliminated after Toyota Otis.

Reyes chipped in 14 points and 15 big rebounds in another sterling performance for the Elasto Painters who are bidding to play in the finals for the fifth straight time.

Montaña Pawnshop threw the battle for the semis berths into a wide open race by downing Granny Goose Tortillos, 62-53, in the second game.

With Alex Compton combining with Reed Juntilla in the team’s whirlwind finish, the Jewels posted their fifth win in nine games to tie Hapee-PCU for third to fourth places.

The Snackmasters slipped to 5-5, the same record of streaking Harbour Centre.

Kenneth Bono got the better of his heavyweight duel with JR Quiñahan to finish with 18 points on an impressive 8-of-11 shooting. He also grabbed seven rebounds in what could be his breakout game.

Compton and Juntilla, who had a triple each in the final three minutes, combined for 28 points.