Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — What looked like a blow out turned out to be a hotly contested affair.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters came back from an 19-point deficit to down the San Miguel Beermen, 107-105, in the Philippine Basketbal Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup on Friday (March 11) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Newly-minted import Mo Charlo paced Rain or Shine with 35 markers and 13 rebounds.
A big first quarter from the Beermen, which saw them take a 32-14 lead, threatened to make Paul Lee’s return and Charlo’s debut a forgettable one for the Elasto Painters.
But an injury to big man June Mar Fajardo and an equally big second period from Rain or Shine, saw the Beermen’s advantage shrink to just 44-46 before halftime.
The second half proved far more competitive for both sides, with both teams trading possession of the lead.
In the final quarter, a Charlo triple gave Rain or Shine the 101-100 lead with 2:16 left on the clock to set the stage for a nervy finish.
With just 9 seconds left, a Marcio Lassiter three pointer trimmed the lead, 105-103, but that was as close as the Beermen would get in the stretch drive.
Tyler Wilkerson led San Miguel with 33 points.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao was pleased with the maiden outing of Charlo, but believes that he still has more to offer.
“I think Mo can still get better, this is his first game,” said Guiao. “He is in game shape and he is just learning to play with the guys. I think things can look better for us from here on.”
Rain or Shine even up their slate at 3-3, while San Miguel drop down to 3-2.
