MANILA, Philippines—Paul Lee shone once more as Rain or Shine nipped Powerade, 96-93, Sunday in the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Lee finished with a game-high 19 points including two free throws with 57 ticks left that set the final count and help the Elasto Painters open up the conference with a 2-0 start.
Lee, the No. 2 overall pick, also grabbed five rebounds and dished out three assists despite being hobbled by foul trouble.
The Tigers, who are still missing No.1 overall pick JV Casio, who had been injured, had the chance to tie the game but Gary David’s three-point attempt was denied by Jeff Chan.
Chan tied Lee for game-high honors in points with 19 while Gabe Norwood relished under his new role of being the starting point guard with 11 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
Doug Kramer paced Powerade with 16 points and 14 rebounds.