Rain or Shine fends off Alaska in Davao

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine used a sterling second quarter run and survived a late game rally to repulse the Alaska Aces, 87-74 in the PBA 2014 Philippine Cup on Sunday, November 17.

Jeff Chan had two triples in a crippling 13-2 run, which saw Rain or Shine’s slim 36-32 margin balloon to a 49-34 bubble at the half.

Alaska, which struggled in the first half, shooting just 34% from the field, tried to mount a comeback behind a Dondon Hontiveros triple that trimmed the deficit to 48-56.

But Coach Yeng Guiao’s crew was quick to respond as Jireh Ibanes and Chan rattled home three triples to push the lead back to 20, 68-48 before the third quarter ended.

Alaska refused to surrender and fired one last run after JVee Casio, Cyrus Baguio, and Ryan Buenafe all hit triples to cut the lead to just 83-74, with over a minute remaining.

The Aces desperately tried to steal the game but ended up with botched attempts from the outside, as the Elasto Painters finished the match on a Gabe Norwood alley-oop slam.

Jeff Chan finished the game with 17 points on 4-of-8 shooting from three-point country. Jervy Cruz added a double-double with 12 markers and 12 boards. – with reports from Levi Verora/Rappler.com