Beermen rise from 29 down, stun Painters for 2-0 semis lead

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MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel Beer did everything right in the second half to rally past Rain or Shine, 117-105, and move on the threshold of another finals appearance Monday night at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Chris Ross shot the lights out in Game 2, turning in a 34-point, eight-assist performance built on 10 triples to help dig the Beermen out of a massive hole.

“This game is unbelievable. I’m really surprised. We’re down 29 and then all of a sudden we got back and took the lead,” said SMB coach Leo Austria. 

“I really don’t know what transpired in the game. (Rain or Shine) played an almost perfect game in the first 16 minutes,” he added.

Three more San Miguel starters tossed in twin digits with import Chris McCullough and June Mar Fajardo posting respective double-doubles. 

Christian Standhardinger added 15 while Terrence Romeo chipped in 12 points.

Carl Montgomery buoyed Rain or Shine by scoring 24 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, while Rey Nambatac and fresh-from-shelf Ed Daquioag and James Yap chipped in 13 and 12, respectively.

The Beermen go for the sweep when the series moves back to Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Wednesday night.