Game 3 hero Beau Belga. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines– Rain or Shine had another hot start, but this time managed to weather San Miguel Beer for a 112-104 decision Wednesday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Beau Belga delivered in the clutch, assisting and scoring six of the Elasto Painters’ final 10 points that gave them a new lease on life in the best-of-five duel.
“It’s a good win. We almost had another meltdown, got an 18-point lead in the first quarter. But like I said, it’s really hard playing against San Miguel. I’m just proud that we were not swept by a powerhouse team,” coach Caloy Garcia said, whose team is down 2-1.
“We hope that we extend the series again and bring it to a Game 5.”
Belga finished with 16 points to go with import Carl Montgomery’s 25-point, 15-rebound performance that anchored Rain or Shine’s stand. Gabe Norwood tossed in 11, including the go-ahead triple in the final 1:14 of the contest.
Despite Chris McCullough monster double-double of 51 points and 14 rebounds, the Beermen failed to complete the sweep for a finals berth.
Alex Cabagnot and Christian Standhardinger chipped in 16 and 14 points, respectively, in the loss.
Rain or Shine looks to extend the semis into a deciding Game 5 as it takes on the perennial powerhouse anew this Friday again at the Big Dome.
POST-GAME INTERVIEW