James yap vs Jireh Ibanez. PBA IMAGES / Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines—San Mig Coffee banked on a fourth-quarter run to defeat Rain or Shine, 79-67, to stave off elimination Saturday in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinals series in the 38th PBA Philippine Cup at the SM MOA Arena.
The Mixers stirred up a telling 14-5 run to pull away from a slight 59-58 lead.
Marc Pingris imposed his will in the shaded area to end up with 18 points on seven-of-10 shooting from the field.
“Every game dapat ilabas namin. Kailangan pantayan namin ang energy ng Rain or Shine,” said Pingris.
San Mig Coffee was able to extend the series despite getting only two points from James Yap, who sat out most of the second half due to foul trouble.
Yap was forced to sit on the bench after picking up his fifth foul with still 10:12 left in the third quarter but the Mixers—thanks to solid plays from Joe Devance, Mark Barroca and PJ Simon—were able to take the lead, 52-50, entering the fourth quarter.
Devance topscored with 20 points, including a basket that pushed his team’s lead to 10, 73-63, with 5:00 remaining.
Larry Rodriguez, the lone Rain or Shine player in double-digit scoring with 14 points, pulled the Elasto Painters to within striking distance, 67-73, but the Mixers proved to be too much defensively.
Barroca and Devance iced the game at the line, 77-67, with 1:01 left.
THE SCORES:
SANMIG COFFEE 79 – Devance 20, Pingris 18, Simon 16, Barroca 11, Reavis 6, Villanueva 3, Gonzales 3, Yap 2, Intal 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 67 – Rodriguez 14, Cruz 9, Lee 8, Ibanes 8, Matias 7, Norwood 5, Belga 4, Quinahan 4, Tang 3, Chan 3, Tiu 2, Arana 0.
Quarters: 17-15, 31-29, 52-50, 79-67
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