Rain or Shine ends Ginebra’s 3-game winning run

MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters ended Barangay Ginebra’s 3-game win streak, 94-86, in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, November 29 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Painters, which extended their winning run to 3 as well, assured themselves safe passage into the quarterfinals with the victory as they improved to a 6-1 record tied for the top spot with San Miguel Beer and Alaska.

“We just played a little harder than usual. We know Ginebra is a tough team, especially with their winning streak,” said head coach Yeng Guiao after the game.

Rain or Shine led by as much as 14 midway in the fourth period before Ginebra inched to within 89-82 on a Sol Mercado breakaway lay-up with 1:31 left to play.

But Jeff Chan nailed the dagger 3-pointer plus the foul with 41.7 ticks remaining to douse water on the Gin Kings’ rally.

Chan had a team-high 19 points, 14 of which he poured in the payoff period, to go with 4 rebounds. Second year guard contributed 16 points, 3 rebounds, and two assists off the bench, while this year’s third overall pick Maverick Ahanmisi started the contest and finished with 13 markers, 6 boards, 3 dimes, and a steal.

“We had to run all game long, that was the game plan, to keep on running. If we settle down at the half court their size will be a disadvantage for us,” Guiao said of the fast-paced game he employed.

“Size is their biggest advantage but quickness is our biggest advantage so we just pushed the pace and see what happens. Fortunately for us we were making our shots and we were making life difficult for Greg Slaughter,” he added.

Japeth Aguilar led Ginebra with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds along with 3 assists, and also shot the booming 3-pointer with over two minutes left to cut the deficit to 87-78.

But Aguilar was also responsible for the foul on Chan’s critical 3-pointer that made it a 4-point play opportunity.

Slaughter collected 19 points and 8 rebounds along with 5 turnovers. Veteran Mark Caguioa added 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists as Ginebra dropped to an even 4-4 record. – Rappler.com