Quezon City, Philippines (Eagle News) – The Rain or Shine Elastopainters dodged a bullet as the Alaska Aces’ late charge came short before sealing the win, 112-108, to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals as they draw a win away from the championship.
The game deadlocked at the end of the first quarter at 28-all but Rain or Shine revved up their engines and started firing six three point shots in the second quarter. The Elastopainters charge was led by JR Quinahan who scored 13 points all in the second quarter while hitting three out of his four three-point field goals.
After finding themselves up by 15 in the first half, the Elastopainters went for the kill in the third quarter with a collected team effort by outscoring the Aces 33-25 and leading by 23 points heading to the fourth quarter.
The Aces were able to claw their way back despite Calvin Abueva fouling out midway in the quarter with RJ Jazul keeping the game close by scoring 12 of his 14 points in the clutch. Alaska trimmed the Elastopainter’s biggest lead at 27 to 4 points but the comeback fell short as time runs out on the Aces.
Quinahan finished the game with 18 points while Jericho Cruz contributed 17 points and import Pierre Henderson-Niles had 11 points, 13 boards and 3 blocks for the Elastopainters.
“Buti nalang malaki lamang namin,” said Coach Yeng Guiao of the Rain or Shine Elastopoainters. “We did not finish this game well but we have a chance to win a championship on Friday. What is important is that we have a 3-0 lead and we have one foot inside the door.”
The Aces had their import Rob Dozier with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks while Calvin Abueva also had an all-around performance with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in Alaska’s losing effort.
The Elastopainters have a chance to seal the series against Alaska this coming Friday, May 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Only the San Miguel Beermen were able to climb up from a 0-3 lead in the PBA Finals and it was ironically against the Alaska Aces. (Ernest Hernandez)
Photo Credit: Peter Baltazar / Sports On Air
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 112 – Quinahan 18, Cruz 17, Henderson-Niles 11, Lee 10, Norwood 9, Belga 8, Tiu 8, Ahanmisi 7, Almazan 7, Chan 6, Ibanes 6, Ponferada 5, Nimes 0.
ALASKA 108 – Dozier 23, Abueva 20, Banchero 15, Jazul 14, Baguio 9, Hontiveros 9, Thoss 7, Exciminiano 5, Baclao 4, Dela Rosa 2.
Quarters: 28-28, 62-47, 95-72, 112-108
