James Yap went Big Game mode and went clutch to help the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters deal former team Magnolia Hotshots their third straight loss, 75-74, Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Yap completed a three-point play with 3.2 seconds left to give the Elasto Painters much-needed leverage. Afterwards, Ian Sangalang’s missed jumper on the other end sealed Rain or Shine’s fifth consecutive victory.
The former league MVP, who steered the Magnolia franchise to seven championships, finished with 18 points.
“I think the story of the game is simple: James Yap,“ said Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia. “He just followed what we drew up, he trusted, and he made the big shots. So let’s keep it simple, it’s just James Yap today.”
Maverick Ahanmisi supplied 13 points and seven rebounds, while Norbert Torres added 11 markers in the win.
The Elasto Painters at one point led by 14 points early in the match. But the Hotshots rallied back fiercely and stole the driver’s seat, 72-70, after Rome Dela Rosa’s lay-up off the break with 32.8 seconds left.
Beau Belga then responded accordingly, sinking a lay-up plus the foul to tie things up at 72-all with 19.6 seconds to go. but the 6-foot-6 slotman wasted his chance to give RoS the lead, as he missed his bonus.
Paul Lee rose to the occasion afterward. He succeeded getting through the tough defense of Gabe Norwood in a series of moves. His contested jumper then went in to give Magnolia a 74-72 lead, 6.1 ticks left.
But then, Yap showcased his end-game magic, making a tough one-handed shot plus the foul to send the game into a deadlock with 3.2 seconds left. Unlike Belga, though, he coolly made his freebie to lift Rain or Shine to a 75-74 lead.
Magnolia still had a chance to win it, as Sangalang took matters in his own hands. Unfortunately, he could not find a clear view of the basket due to Rain or Shine’s defense. He still launched it, but it resulted in a miss.
Sangalang led Magnolia with 16 points and 18 rebounds.
Rain or Shine’s victory over Magnolia means that they have swept all the San Miguel Corp.-owned teams in the all-Filipino tilt. Moreover, they are assured of a slot in the quarterfinals, and will have a chance to clinch a twice-to-beat edge.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 75 – Yap 18, Ahanmisi 13, Torres 11, Rosales 7, Norwood 6, Almazan 5, Belga 4, Nambatac 3, Ponferada 3, Mocon 3, Onwubere 2, Daquioag 0.
Magnolia 74 – Sangalang 16, Barroca 16, Herndon 11, Lee 10, Reavis 9, Brondial 7, Dela Rosa 2, Jalalon 2, Pascual 1, Melton 0.
Quarterscores: 24-14, 40-33, 55-49, 75-74.
