Paul Lee returns as Rain or Shine routs Kia
TY Tang of Rain or Shine (light) and Angelus Raymundo and Reil Cervantes of Kia (dark). NUKI SABIO/PBA
MANILA, Philippines — Paul Lee returned from injury and Rain or Shine made short work of Kia, 117-88, for its second win in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-1 Lee played only 15 minutes and made the most out of his time on the floor with 22 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting from the field. He opened up the fourth quarter with a barrage of treys that put the game away.
“We started the conference slow. We’re just trying to regain our chemistry and confidence back and this is the best way to do it,” said ROS head coach Yeng Guiao. “We played with a lot of energy and throughout the game we were able to sustain our energy level.”
Lee, the 25-year-old guard, missed the Elasto Painters’ win over the Blackwater Elite last Friday due to a hyperextended knee he suffered in a loss to the San Miguel Beermen.
Reil Cervantes had 18 points for Kia, which fell to 1-2.
Pacquiao, Kia’s playing-coach, missed his second straight game and won’t be back with the team until after his bout with Chris Algieri on Nov. 23 in Macau.
The Painters shot a blistering 59% from the field, including 10-of-22 from long distance.
Rain or Shine went on a 17-4 run to start the fourth quarter to extend its lead to 29, 98-69, with 7:48 left. Lee scored 11 during that stretch.
ROS missed the services of guards Ryan Araña and Chris Tiu due to injuries.
“We can’t wait to be complete and play as hard as we can to perhaps get a crack at once again making it to the Finals,” Guiao said.
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