INQUIRER Global Nation

Rain Or Shine played well and was cruising in the elimination round. Sta. Lucia made them realized that playing in the playoffs is a different ballgame.

Appearing in their first playoff game, the Elasto Painters were smacked, bullied and outclassed by the battle-tested Realtors, who hacked out a one-sided, 101-84 win at the start of their best-of-three quarterfinal series of the 34th PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Araneta Coliseum.

With a 1-0 series lead, the defending champion Realtors could advance to the semifinal round and face the Alaska Aces with another win tomorrow.

Nelbert Omolon led Sta. Lucia's onslaught with a game-high 30 points along with his five rebounds, two steals and one assist. Joseph Yeo backed Omolon with 26 points, four rebounds and steal.

The game however, was marred by the ejection of Sta. Lucia's Marlou Aquino and Rain Or Shine's high-flying Fil-Am rookie Gabe Norwood.

Aquino was ejected in the 1:29 mark of the second period after he committed a flagrant foul-penalty two against Jay-Arr Reyes.

Norwood went out with 5:55 left in the third for the same offense.

Norwood was going for a layup when he was fouled by Omolon. Norwood threw the ball hard to Omolon that triggered a near melee.

Yeo, Rain or Shine's Ryan Arana, Solomon Mercado and coach Caloy Garcia were assessed with technical fouls during the commotion.