DORIAN Peña of Barako Bull draws a foul from JR Quiñahan of Rain or Shine in yesterday’s match at Mall of Asia Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
JEFF Chan capped his brilliance with a gutsy triple with 8.2 seconds remaining, lifting Rain or Shine to a 99-95 victory over Barako Bull last night in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Rain or Shine gunner got off to a blistering start, making all his three triples in the first quarter, before bailing out the Elasto Painters with the go-ahead trey after the Energy had seized a 95-94 lead.
Gabe Norwood stole a pass from JC Intal and was sent to the free throw line for the final score.
Averaging just 11.5 points going into the game, Chan wound up with a conference-best 34 points, anchored on a 7-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc.
Later, Alaska drew strength from its big men as it whipped San Mig Coffee, 88-75, to climb to solo sixth spot.
Sonny Thoss imposed his will with 16 points, 11 boards, five assists and two blocks as the Aces broke away from a tight first half with a strong third quarter on the way to their fourth win in 10 games.
“Jeff saved the day for us,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “It was appropriate that it was his shot that won us the game.”
It was the Elasto Painters’ second straight victory, improving their record to 6-3, just half a game behind third-running Talk N’ Text.
The Elasto Painters exploded for 28 points each in the first two quarters, before the Energy figured out a way to stymie their rhythm, allowing them to stay in the thick of the fight.
The Energy rallied behind veteran Willie Miller whose trademark fadeaway jumper put Barako Bull on top for the first time, 95-94, with 18 seconds left.
That was enough time for Chan to end the game in style. Receiving a pass from Jervy Cruz, Chan got the ball in rhythm and fired over the outstretched arms of Dorian Peña for the game winner.
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra seeks to solidify its hold of top spot when it clashes with Meralco at 3:30 p.m. today, also at MOA Arena. Talk ‘N Text meets Petron Blaze at 5:15 p.m.
The scores:
First Game
RAIN OR SHINE 99—Chan 34, Lee 14, Cruz 8, Nuyles 8, Norwood 8, Quinahan 6, Tang 6, Teng 5, Rodriguez 4, Arana 2, Almazan 2, Tiu 2, Ibanes 0.
BARAKO 95—Intal 16, Pena 15, Maierhofer 14, Miranda 14, Miller 9, Pennisi 6, Lastimosa 5, Isip 5, Jensen 4, Macapagal 3, Marcelo 2, Labagala 2, Wilson 0, Buenafe 0.
Quarters: 28-21, 56-42, 75-69, 99-95
Second Game
ALASKA 88—Thoss 16, Espinas 15, Abueva 15, Baguio 14, Jazul 10, Ramos 8, Casio 6, Eximiniano 4, Dela Cruz 0, Hontiveros 0.
SAN MIG 75—Yap 21, Sangalang 13, Devance 9, Barroca 6, Simon 6, Acuna 5, Mallari 5, Reavis 4, De Ocampo 2, Gaco 2, Holstein 2, Cawaling 0, Melton 0.
Quarters: 16-22, 35-35, 62-55, 88-75