Rain or Shine overcame some anxious moments in the fourth quarter to hold off hapless Terrafirma, 94-85, to enhance its twice-to-beat chances in the PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Elasto Painters saw their 18-point lead reduced to three with less than four minutes remaining, but key shots from Andrei Caracut and Jhonard Clarito prevented an embarrassing meltdown against the tournament’s worst team.

Caracut’s three gave Rain or Shine a breather while Clarito’s three off a foul became the icing on the cake to seal a sixth win in nine matches with two to play in the eliminations.

Coach Yeng Guiao’s wards forged a tie fourth with Barangay Ginebra as it now focuses on a crucial homestretch that could make or break Rain or Shine’s bid to get a top four finish and the quarterfinal bonus.

Up next for Rain or Shine is San Miguel Beer on Saturday in Cagayan de Oro City before facing Ginebra on June 15 in Antipolo City.

Clarito finished with 12 points, five rebounds and three steals while Caracut scored 11 for the Elasto Painters. Also in double figures were Santi Santillan. and seldom-used Francis Escandor with 10 points apice.

Terrafirma absorbed a ninth straight loss to fall 1-9 with a game left in its campaign.

Louie Sangalang scored 22 points while Stanley Pringle added 18 points, including a basket that made him the 100th player in history to score 5,000 career points.

The Dyip will face the Blackwater Bossing on Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in their expected final swan song in the league as management remains in the process of completing the sale with the Zamboanga Valientes.