(CNN Philippines) — Despite facing an 17-point deficit after two quarters, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao knew his wards could weather the storm and just reminded them a few things entering the second half.
Stick with the game plan, stay together, and play tough.
The Elasto Painters did just that and responded with a second-half onslaught on their way to a 116-108 victory over Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters in Game 2 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup finals at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum Friday (April 17).
Rain or Shine evened the best-of-seven series at one-game apiece.
After a slow start, Paul Lee went berserk in the fourth period where he dropped 14 of his 20 points.
But for Guiao, it was Jireh Ibanes who spelled the difference for the Elasto Painters.
“Special mention to Ibanes, who did a hell of a job not just defending Jayson but also scoring big points for us,” said Guiao of Ibanes, who finished with 12 impact points.
But Castro still sizzled with career-high 44 points on nine three-pointers for the Tropang Texters.
In fact, he dropped 27 of his total output in the first half where Talk ’N Text led by as much as 17 points, 58-41.
Still, Rain or Shine’s mental toughness prevailed.
“It was really the mental toughness of the guys that got us through this game. We’ll need a lot of it in the coming games,” he said.
Game 3 is on Sunday, 5PM also at the Big Dome.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 116 – Chism 30, Lee 20, Chan 17, Norwood 14, Ibanes 12, Belga 8, Arana 7, Almazan 4, Teng 2, Quinahan 2, Cruz Jericho 0, Tang 0, Tiu 0, Cruz Jervy 0.
TALK N’ TEXT 108 – Castro 44, Johnson 20, De Ocampo 15, Rosser 10, Fonacier 8, Alas 5, Williams 2, Seigle 2, Aban 2.
Quarters: 27-26, 49-62, 85-84, 116-108
