The Elasto Painters watched in horror as they squandered a 93-84 lead in the final four minutes as the Llamados cut the deficit to just a point with 18.6 seconds left.

But import Robert Brown failed to launch a game-winning basket on time, allowing Rain or Shine to preserve the win — its first under new coach Yeng Guiao.

Following the victory, a three-way tie for the early lead ensued among Barangay Ginebra , Alaska and Rain or Shine.

Hassan Adams, the former second round pick of the New Jersey Nets in the NBA, topscored for the Elasto Painters with 30 points, and harassed Brown from making the potential game winner.

Ryan Arana added 18 markers, including back-to-back three-pointers that gave Rain or Shine a 92-83 lead with 5:31 remaining.

A split by Gabe Norwood at the final 3:36 mark maintained the Elasto Painters’ nine-point edge.

Then began Derby Aces’ endgame comeback.

A three-pointer by Peter June Simon sparked an 11-2 windup by the Llamados capped by Brown's split charities to make it a 95-94 game.

Derby Ace even got a big break when Rain or Shine was called for an inbound violation in its next play.

The Llamados went to Brown, but the import was forced to take an out-of-balance shot against the tight-guarding Adams.

Both coaches went on to complain the game's final plays. Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent claimed there was a contact on Brown's last shot and explained he was clipped on the arm by Adams. Guiao, on the other hand, complained of a backing violation on KG Canaleta, who caught the ball while crossing the half court.

Brown finished with 29 points to pace Derby Ace, but may have played his last game for the team as possible replacement, Sharmani Spears, has been in the country since last week.

Simon and James Yap each had 14 to pace the locals of Derby Ace. -

RCJ, GMA News