San Mig Coffee beats Rain or Shine, evens title series at 1-1

Marc Pingris of San Mig Coffee (light) vs JR Quinahan of Rain or Shine (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — San Mig Coffee got back at Rain or Shine, 80-70, to level their PBA Philippine Cup series at 1-1 Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

PJ Simon and James Yap scored 15 and 13 points, respectively, in a short night — playing just three quarters with the game somewhat safe — for the Mixers.

“We came out strong. Our first group played with good energy and our second group defended the heck out of everybody,” San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone told reporters.

The Elasto Painters never really threatened and only managed to pull to within seven, 51-58, on a 3-pointer by Paul Lee to start the fourth quarter.

The Mixers quickly answered with a 13-2 run as their lead swelled to 18, 71-53, on an Ian Sangalang put back with 7:56 remaining.

San Mig Coffee jumped out early with a triple by Joe Devance, who also had 13 points, making it a 14-4 count in the opening quarter.

The Painters couldn’t get anything going. They missed all of their 10 attempts from long range in the first half and would only make six out of 26 from that area.

Jeff Chan was the lone bright spot for ROS with 18 points on four-of-seven shooting from downtown.

Game 3 is on Wednesday at 8 p.m. also at the Big Dome.

Marc Pingris added a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Painters guard Ryan Araña got hurt in the first half and had to go to the hospital to check on his left collar bone after he took a hit on a screen set by Rafi Reavis.

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