In a game showcased by a thrilling exchange of baskets from the two finalists, it was the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters that drew first blood in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals as they hang on to a 105-97 win over the Alaska Aces Friday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Right out of the gates, the Elasto Painters built an early double-digit separation in the first quarter, and led by as much as 14. The Aces managed to tie the game once during the first half, but Rain or Shine cruised control, as they led for majority of the first 24 minutes.
For the first five minutes of the second half, Rain or Shine maintained its distance against Alaska with Raymond Almazan and Pierre Niles manning the interior. However, a Rob Dozier slam in the 7-minute mark ignited an 11-4 run for Alaska. With the help of Calvin Abueva’s defense against the Painters, the Aces led by as much as five in the third. Entering the fourth frame, Alaska outscored ROS, 31-23 to take a three point advantage.
The dogfight continued in the final period with both teams trading offensive blows. A flurry of jumpers including seven triples from the two teams opened the fourth quarter, which kept the scoreboard moving.
By the 7:28 mark, Henderson-Niles made a basket the gave the Painters the minimal lead for good. This started a mini 7-0 spurt capped by another triple by Gabe Norwood to restore the gap against the Aces. Alaska struggled to convert on successive opportunities, which included misses from the Rain or Shine import from the foul stripe.
Down the stretch, however, Alaska managed to be one possession behind the Elasto Painters. Unfortunately, Paul Lee drained the dagger three-ball with 51 seconds remaining in transition. Lapses on the part of the Aces also took place as they wasted precious seconds off the game clock before fouling.
Hours prior to the game, Lee was already in the venue, taking up some shots. Afterwards, he stressed the importance of hard work in order to regain confidence back in his game. “Buenas lang din. Pero yung hard work lumalabas na talaga. Pinaghihirapan ko talaga to eh gusto ko na ring bumalik sa dati kong laro,” Lee said after the game.
Lee had 20 points, 4/5 shooting from downtown in 22 minutes of game time. Jericho Cruz tallied 18 markers, nine rebounds and five assists, while Beau Belga chipped in 15.
Rob Dozier ended with a PBA-career high of 41 points, on 18/22 shooting, 15 rebounds and two blocks in an all-around performance in the loss. Cyrus Baguio added 14 for the Aces.
The Elasto Painters dominated scoring from the paint, 44-32. In addition, their running game placed them to a 17-5 advantage, while also grabbing ten more rebounds against Alaska, 51-41.
Game Two of the series will be held on Sunday at 5:00pm in the same venue.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine (105) – Lee 20, Cruz 18, Belga 15, Norwood 11, Ahanmisi 8, Ponferada 7, Henderson-Niles 6, Almazan 4, Quinahan 4, Tiu 4, Chan 3, Ibanes 3, Trollano 2.
Alaska (97) – Dozier 41, Baguio 14, Baclao 10, Abueva 9, Banchero 9, Jazul 5, Dela Rosa 4, Hontiveros 3, Thoss 2, Exciminiano 0.
Quarterscores: 29-25, 51-46, 74-77, 105-97.
