Rain or Shine import Aaron Fuller during Game 5 of the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals against Magnolia.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Rain or Shine played with zest in the third period to dig itself out of a hole and then found another gear in the final frame to outlast Magnolia, 113-103, in the deciding Game 5 on Saturday night and clinch a berth in the Governors’ Cup semifinals.
Andrei Caracut hit one big shot after another down the stretch to keep the Hotshots at bay at Ynares Center in Antipolo City, ultimately sealing the Elasto Painters’ entry into the Final Four.
“I just told the players: Play this game for yourselves, your teammates, your family. It will go a long way in building respect for yourself,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao shortly after the win that arranged a best-of-seven semifinal series against defending champion TNT.
READ: PBA: Magnolia forces decider with beatdown of Rain or Shine
“And I think they gave their hundred percent,” he added.
Caracut had 12 points and four rebounds to preserve the heroics of import Aaron Fuller, who showed the way for Rain or Shine with 26 points and nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Jhonard Clarito and Adrian Nocum had 17 points each as the time-built, overachieving Elasto Painters, who trailed by as many as 12 points early, continued to march on in these playoffs.
Import Jabari Bird had 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Calvin Abueva added 16 and nine. Jerrick Ahanmisi chipped in 15 points while Ian Sangalang 12, but with Paul Lee and Mark Barroca limited to just single digits, and Aris Dionisio fouling out with plenty of basketball left in the final period, the Hotshots, perennial bridesmaids of the league, crashed out of title contention.
READ: PBA: Fuller inspires Rain or Shine in crucial OT win in Game 3
Not helping Magnolia’s cause was Zavier Lucero’s continued absence. He missed Game 4 and the clincher after going through concussion protocol following a head injury late in the Game 3 overtime thriller also at the same venue.
“It was a battle. It just showed how much heart our team has,” Fuller said. “Just really proud of the guys. We’re gonna enjoy this, take some rest, we’ve got some more work to do.”