By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE tournament lives of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup are still burning after they averted elimination by winning Game Three of their best-of-five semifinal series over the San Miguel Beermen, 112-104, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Trailing the series, 0-2, entering the contest, the Elasto Painters had their backs against the wall but they showed the needed focus and determination to survive a tough challenge by the Beermen to extend the series and stay in contention for a spot in the finals of the midseason PBA tournament.
Like what they had been doing all series long, the Elasto Painters got off to a strong start, racing to a 30-14 advantage after one quarter.
In the second frame, it was a Chris McCullough show for the Beermen, helping his team to claw its way back.
San Miguel saw its charge-back efforts pay off as the quarter drew to a close, seizing the lead, 50-49, with 1:30 to go.
The Elasto Painters were able to recover, settling for a tied count of 54-all at the break.
Rain or Shine competed with a firmer footing in the third canto, bucking early attempts by San Miguel to break loose.
Led by Rey Nambatac, the Elasto Painters outscore the Beermen, 16-10, to build a 70-64 lead by the 6:53 mark.
San Miguel made attempts to rally back but was held in check by Rain or Shine, 86-80, heading into the fourth quarter.
Mr. McCullough and Game Three hero Chris Ross jolted the Beermen to a fiery start in the payoff quarter.
The beer masters overtook the E-Painters, 90-89, with nine minutes left on the clock following a triple from Mr. Ross.
Momentum swung back and forth after with the two teams fighting to a knotted count of 102-all entering the last two minutes.
Mr. McCullough gave the Beermen the lead, 104-102, with a jumper with 1:37 to go.
Gabe Norwood though answered big for Rain or Shine with a triple at the 1:14 mark to make it 105-104 for his team.
San Miguel worked to reclaim the lead after but was thwarted by the Rain or Shine defense.
Mr. Nambatac got fouled with 34 ticks remaining and made the Beermen pay with two made free throws to push the Elasto Painters further ahead, 107-104.
The Beermen went to its import anew to pull them back but once again Rain or Shine’s defense held tough.
A triple by Beau Belga under duress with 11 seconds left and two free throws by Javee Mocon after it completed the win for the Elasto Painters.
Import Carl Montgomery led the way for Rain or Shine with 25 points and 15 rebounds with Mr. Nambatac finishing with 22 points to earn player of the game honors.
Mr. Belga had 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Mr. Norwood had 11 points.
For San Miguel it was Mr. McCullough who top-scored with 51 points to go along with 14 boards.
Alex Cabagnot had 16 points while Christian Standhardinger finished with 14.
