PBA: Rain or Shine fends off Ginebra to even semis series

MANILA, May 28 ------ The Rain or Shine ElastoPainters fended off Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s second-half rally to secure a 97-85 win in Game 4 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Yeng Guiao’s wards led by as many as 26 points to even the series at two wins apiece, turning the matchup into a virtual best-of-three affair. Leading Rain or Shine’s balanced attack was Jaylen Johnson, who finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. “Ito lang naman yung gusto namin, pahabain yung series. The longer the series, the more we have a chance,” said Guiao.

Gian Mamuyac added 12 points and four assists, while Jhonard Clarito, Adrian Nocum, and Christian Manaytay chipped in 11 points each for the ElastoPainters, who will try to take a 3-2 series lead on Friday, 7:30 p.m., still at the Big Dome. Justin Brownlee paced Ginebra with a game-high 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, while Scottie Thompson contributed 20 points, three assists, and two rebounds. However, their efforts were not enough as the Gin Kings could only trim the deficit to 10 points. Ginebra also struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 5-of-23 (21.7%) from three-point range.

The Scores:

Rain or Shine 97 – Johnson 13, Mamuyac 12, Nocum 11, Manaytay 11, Clarito 11, Malonzo 9, David 8, Caracut 6, Tiongson 5, Santillan 5, Asistio 3, Belga 3, Cuajao 0.

Ginebra 85 – Brownlee 27, Thompson 20, J.Aguilar 10, Abarrientos 8, Holt 8, Pinto 4, Abis 4, Rosario 3, Cu 1, Torres 0, Go 0, Gray 0, Carino 0, Estil 0.

Quarterscores: 31-23, 58-36, 77-65, 97-85.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com