By Rey Joble

RAIN or Shine?s ambitious first-ever semifinals stint is now in jeopardy.

No thanks to top rookies Gabe Norwood and Solomon Mercado, whose actions in the opener of the best-of-three quarterfinals series of the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup against defending champion Sta. Lucia, changed the good fortunes of his up-and-coming squad.

The top overall rookie pick failed to keep his temper in check as he slammed the ball hard on Sta. Lucia forward Bitoy Omolon, triggering a near-second half fracas during the Realtors? 101-84 rout victory Wednesday night.

Norwood?s untoward behavior cost him a P20,000 fine and a painful one-game suspension at a time when his team is badly needing his services.

The news was relayed by Rain or Shine co-owner Terry Que.

?Suspendido siya and magmumulta pa ng P20,000,? said Que. ?Medyo mabigat ?yung laban namin ngayon against Sta. Lucia.?

Norwood?s buddy and fellow newcomer Mercado also got a one-game suspension after his flagrant foul penalty 1 was elevated to flagrant foul penalty 2, which means automatic suspension. He was also slapped a P20,000 fine.

Mercado, who came to the aide of Norwood and shoved Joseph Yeo, will be suspended if there?s a Game 3 in the best-of-three series or the first game of the Elasto Painters in the Reinforced Conference.

Yeo will be meted a P10,000 fine for giving a fighting stance on Norwood, while the PBA is still reviewing whether a fine will be given to Ryan Ara?a of Rain or Shine and Omolon.