Anton Asistio waxed hot from deep and powered Rain or Shine past TNT, 106-96 , to secure the sixth seed and a best-of-three quarterfinals in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Friday, Jan. 31.

Asistio drilled a career-high six triples – four in the first half to help the Elasto Painters erect a double-digit lead and then two more in the second half when he restored order after the Tropang Giga came too close for comfort.

ROS ended the eliminations with a 7-5 record and avoided a knockout match for the No. 8 spot. The Elasto Painters were actually tied with Eastern in the standings but climbed to the sixth spot by virtue of their 99-81 victory.

Eastern slipped to No. 7 and in a twice-to-win disadvantage against TNT while, after ROS’ victory and Magnolia’ earlier win over Meralco, the Hotshots will take on the NLEX Road Warriors in a do-or-die game for the last playoff spot.

Asistio fired 21 points while Deon Thompson, who also helped put on the finishing touches, had 22 points and 16 rebounds.

Santi Santillan also chipped in 20 while Caelan Tiongson added 13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while also taking the role of a primary defender against TNT prolific import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

The Elasto Painters led by as many as 15, 51-36, behind the outside sniping of Asistio and Santillan but the Tropang Giga came out roaring in the third frame when they cut the lead down to one, 74-75.

ROS, though, regained its footing to open the final frame with a 10-1 run, powered by two booming triples from Asistio to reestablish an 89-77 lead.

Hollis-Jefferson led the way for TNT with 23 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists to go with three blocks and two steals while Oftana, who spearheaded the third quarter fightback, with 20.