RAIN or Shine relied on a strong finishing kick in the finale to beat San Miguel Beer, 112-104, in Game 3 and stay alive in the best-of-five semifinals of Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters unleashed a blazing 10-0 run to turn around a 102-104 disadvantage with only a few minutes remaining behind Rey Nambatac, Gabe Norwood and Beau Belga to narrow the series deficit to 1-2.
“We almost had another meltdown. Like I said before it is hard to play against San Miguel (Beer). I’m just proud that we did not [get] swept by a powerhouse team,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.
Norwood’s triple, followed by Nambatac’s two free throws provided the Elasto Painters a 107-104 cushion before Belga’s three-point shot that sealed the win with only 11.2 ticks to go.
Import Carl Montgomery scored 25 points and snared 15 rebounds while Nambatac had 22 points. Belga and Javee Mocon posted 16 points each while Norwood contributed 11 points also for the Elasto Painters.
Rain or Shine survived Chris McCullough’s 51-point performance in Game 3.
Game 4 is set on Friday also at the Araneta Coliseum.
Scores
Rain or Shine 112 – Montgomery 25, Nambatac 22, Mocon 16, Belga 16, Norwood 11, Ponferada 7, Yap 6, Rosales 5, Torres 2, Daquioag 2, Borboran 0.
San Miguel 104 – McCullough 51, Cabagnot 16, Standhardinger 14, Romeo 9, Fajardo 8, Ross 6, Santos 0, Pessumal 0.
Quarteracores: 30-16, 54-54, 86-80, 112-104