Author: Martin Bolima
Photo Credit: PBA Images
The upstart Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are headed to the PBA Governor’s Cup semifinals.
The Elasto Painters withstood a fiery Magnolia Hotshots start before orchestrating a fiery windup on their way to a 113-103 victory in Game 5 on Saturday night, October 5, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Hotshots started strong, building multiple double-digit leads in the first half behind the hot shooting of Jerrick Ahanmisi and Aris Dionisio and the inspired play of Calvin Abueva. But, unlike in Games 2 and 4, Rain or Shine kept Magnolia within striking distance all throughout.
Rain or Shine Takes Control in the Final Quarter
Then, with Magnolia ahead, 81-79, in the final minute of the third, the Elasto Painters made their move, with Adrian Nocum and Keith Datu nailing back-to-back triples to nudge Rain or Shine ahead, 85-83, to start the fourth. The Yeng Guiao-mentored squad next scored the first five points of the payoff period—another Datu long bomb and an Aaron Fuller dunk on the break—to extend the lead to seven at 90-83.
It was a lead Rain or Shine never surrendered, but it would take three tough shots from guard Andrei Caracut to put away Magnolia.
First, the former De LaSalle Green Archer hit an off-the-glass buzzer-beating runner when the Hotshots threatened to within two, 101-99, with less than five minutes to go. With Rain or Shine still up 103-99, Caracut then hit an up-and-under scoop shot off the glass to extend the lead to 105-99 with two minutes left. Sixty seconds later, he would all but seal the game, banking a runner to give the Elasto Painters a 107-101 cushion with only 1:20 remaining.
With the win, Rain or Shine sealed a semis showdown with the TNT Tropang Giga.
The Scores:
- Rain or Shine – Fuller 26, Clarito 17, Nocum 17, Caracut 14, Santillan 12, Datu 11, Belga 11, Lemetti 5, Mamuyac 2, Asistio 1,
- Magnolia – Bird 23, Abueva 16, Ahanmisi 15, Sangalang 12, Lee 9, Dionisio 9, Dela Rosa 9, Barroca 6, Eriobu 4
