Rain or Shine survives Alaska, 97-94

Naveen Ganglani

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Rain or Shine survives Alaska, 97-94
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters pull out another win in Game 5 and book a ticket to the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals against the San Mig Coffee Mixers

Manila, Philippines – After surviving the Alaska Aces in overtime in Game 4, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters pulled out another win in Game 5, Saturday, June 28, to win their semis series against the Aces. They booked a ticket to the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals against the San Mig Coffee Mixers, which are gunning for their 4th straight title and a Grand Slam.

While beating San Mig would be foiling their race towards history, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao is more concerned about his team’s own fate.

“We’re not trying to stop the history of San Mig,” the well-known coach said after his team’s win.

“We just want to make our own history,” he said.

But before doing that, the Painters first needed to take down the pesky Aces.

Arizona Reid led the way with 35 points, but it was Paul Lee who delivered the fatal blows late in the game.

With his team up two and a little over 30 seconds remaining, the former University of the East star forayed to the rim and converted on a lay-up to make the count 95-91.

The succeeding possession, Alaska import Henry Walker, who avoided suspension in today’s match after elbowing Lee in Game 4, nailed a 3-ball to trim the lead to one.

Lee was then fouled and converted both charities, 97-94, giving the Aces a chance to send the contest into overtime.

However, Walker’s 3 did not go in, sending the Elasto Painters to the finals.

Walker topscored with 29 points for Alaska, which finished in the top 4 of the league in rookie head coach Alex Compton’s first conference. Vic Manuel, who started the game, contributed 20 in the loss.

“We just couldn’t shake them off. They showed tenacity,” Guiao complimented the Aces later on.

“They showed a lot of guts and a lot of tenacity without their key players,” he added, referring to Alaska missing the services of Sonny Thoss (back spasms), Gabby Espiñas (ankle), and JVee Casio (knee).

Lee and Gabe Norwood scored 10 points apiece for Rain or Shine. Alaska, meanwhile, received a combined 28 markers from Dondon Hontiveros and Calvin Abueva, both of whom played a role in Alaska gaining a 48-41 lead in the second period.

In the 3rd quarter, an 8-point surge by Reid contributed in giving his squad a 3-point edge, 80-77, entering the final canto, where they would go on to eliminate the Aces.

The last time ROS and SMC faced in the Finals was in the 2014 PBA All-Filipino Cup, in which the infamous “walk-out” by the former took place in the 6th and final game.

“Maybe it’s our destiny,” Guiao said.

“Sometimes, we don’t deserve to be here. But if something’s for you, sa iyo yan (it’s yours),” added Guiao.

Scores:

Rain or Shine (97): Reid 35, Lee 10, Norwood 10, Uyloan 8, Rodriguez 8, Arana 5, Chan 5, Belga 4, Almazan 4, Cruz 3, Tiu 3, Ibanes 2, Teng 0

Alaska (94): Walker 29, Manuel 20, Hontiveros 17, Baguio 11, Abueva 9, Dela Cruz 5, Jazul 3, Reyes 0, Belasco 0, Eman 0

Quarter Scoring: 29-25, 55-52, 80-77, 97-94

– Rappler.com

 

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