By Adrian Stewart Co

James Yap of Escalante City converted a game-winning three-point play as Rain or Shine Elasto Painters cruised to a 75-74 win over Magnolia Hotshots in the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

After seeing a 14-point lead turn into a 68-64 deficit early in the fourth period, the Painters leaned on back-to-back triples by Norbert Torres and Yap for a 72-72 score.

Trailing 74-72 after a basket by Hotshots’ Paul Lee, Yap eluded three Hotshots defenders before knocking down a one-hander to tie the score at 74-74. He then converted a go-ahead free throws to push the Painters ahead, 75-74.

The Negrense finished with 18 points to lead the way for the Painters, which remain atop the standings with 7-1 record apart from securing a playoffs spot./ASC, WDJ