Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Rain or Shine Elasto Painters squandered a 25-point lead, but still went on to score a 105-97 win over the San Miguel Beermen in Game 2 of their Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Thursday (January 7).
With a balanced attack, the Elasto Painters made sure there wouldn’t be another meltdown this time, unlike in their series opener, where they blew a 20-point buffer en route to a stinging loss.
“It was almost the same story, but fortunately for us, it had a different ending,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, whose team tied the best-of-seven series at one-game apiece. “It’s really important for us to win.”
Jeff Chan scored 16 points for the Elasto Painters, while rookie Don Trollano and JR Quinahan added 13 and 12, respectively.
Paul Lee had 11, including two of the last four free throws that put the game away.
The Beermen looked on their way to pulling off another comeback, pulling within seven, 63-56, on Marcio Lassiter’s three-pointer in the third quarter.
But Rain or Shine still wrapped up the penultimate period with a 79-65 lead, and the Beermen never recovered from there.
June Mar Fajardo did almost everything for the Beermen again, finishing with 38 points and 17 rebounds.
But fatigue took its toll on him as the 6-10 giant missed most of his free throws in the homestretch. He was 12-of-22 from the foul line.
Alex Cabagnot chipped in 24 points.
“I know from the very start Rain or Shine will bounce back. It’s very evident in this game from start to finish,” said San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria.
Game 3 is on Saturday, January 9 at the same venue.
