Nobody expects Rain or Shine to reach the quarter finals after finishing the elimination phase as 9th seeded. Miraculously, giving the 6th seeded Sta. Lucia Realtors an early vacation and knocking out the 7th seeded Coca Cola Tigers.

Facing Purefoods for a possible repeat of Semi finals appearance, all the odds are against the ROS, but unexpectedly pushing the Giants to the limit via a do or die Sunday match. Norwood (heart) and Mercado (sol) rise to the occation and responsible for the two straight win of ROS. This tandem is the catalyst of ROS, filling important statistics in every basketball aspects department.

One of Purefood's game plan is to taunt the hot headed Mercado to loose its focus. Evident on the series is his encounter with Roger Yap, captured on camera a way ward elbow tru the forhead of Sol and even trash talking with Purefoods assistant coach. It was a success! Mercado got in early foul trouble together with Jay R Reyes at Game 5.

It was a tough night for the first two quarters for Purefoods, a see saw battle until the end of first half. Not until 3rd quarter where the barage of points came out from hot shot James Yap and prolific defense from Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis at the last quarter of the game. Finally Purefoods wrapping up its quarterfinals series.

Though I am a solid Purefoods fan, I admire the ROS sportsmanship. This team played honest and with great respect to its opponent. We may say that the officiating of PBA is becoming poor, but this team and its coach just continue to play without any complain.

As the dying seconds of Game 5 reaches, its nice to watch how Sol and Roger hug each other as if they were not a nemesis during the series. Norwood and Araña congratulating every one and Coach Caloy, gallantly approach Coach Ryan in the middle of the court to hug and congratulate everyone exemplifying the spirit of sportsmanship.