Quezon City, Philippines (Eagle News) – The Rain or Shine Elastopainters takes a commanding 2-0 lead against the Alaska Aces in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals with the help of Paul Lee’s cold-blooded buzzer-beater shot.
The Aces started the game looking to have control over the Elastopainters after leading all first three quarters after being led by RJ Jazul – who was filling in for the injured Jvee Casio – with 16 points coming in the final quarter.
On the other hand, Rain or Shine kept themselves in the game with the combined efforts of Jeff Chan (24 points), Jericho Cruz (14 points), Jewel Ponferrada (14 points) and Beau Belga (14 points) but it was Lee who came through in the final quarter by scoring 13 of his 17 points in the final quarter.
Rain or Shine head coach, Yeng Guiao reflects on the final play as it was not exactly how he planned it to be.
“The play was for Jericho (Cruz) to choose to go either to the left or right for the big setting screens,” as narrated by Guiao.
“We put two shooters at the corner, supposed to be Jeff (Chan) and Paul (Lee) pero inagaw ni Beau (Belga) ang isang corner,” jokingly said by Guiao. “Dapat naman kasi shooter dun, feeling shooter siya eh. I think that was supposed to be Paul’s corner.”
“It wasn’t the play but it turned out to be the winning play for us.”
The mistake came as a blessing in disguise as the miss of Belga was grabbed by Lee and quickly followed up for the winning shot.
The Elastopainters will face the Aces again this coming Wednesday, May 11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum but Guiao expects to feel the strongest blows from Alaska – who’s back is against the wall – in Game 3.
“Game 1 was tough, Game 2 was tougher and we expect Game 3 to be tougher than Game 2,” said Guiao. “We have a two game cushion but it is not going to be safe against Alaska. 2-0 is not safe against Alaska.”
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 105 – Chan 17, Lee 17, Belga 14, Cruz 14, Ponferada 14, Henderson-Niles 8, Ahanmisi 6, Quinahan 6, Almazan 3, Ibanes 2, Norwood 2, Tiu 2, Teng.
ALASKA 103 – Jazul 24, Dozier 18, Abueva 14, Thoss 14, Baguio 11, Banchero 9, Hontiveros 8, Exciminiano 5, Baclao 0, Eman 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarters: 21-26, 49-51, 76-79, 105-103
