2014 PBA Governors’ Cup Semifinals: Painters draw level with Aces!

Arizona Reid and the Painters drew level with Alaska in the semifinals!

Game Notes:
- Rain or Shine bucked the absence of the injured Gabe Norwood to bamboozle Alaska and tie their semifinal series t one game apiece. AZ Reid and Paul Lee lit up the board tonight with a combined 5 triples and 48 points. Reid also grabbed 13 rebounds and stole the basketball thrice.

- On the other end, Vic Manuel continued to play well for Alaska, dropping 22 points and hauling down 6 boards. He shot 10/12 from the field in 30 minutes of action.

- Things got physical as Alaska was trying to storm back in the game. Bill Walker was whistled for a flagrant foul after pushing Beau Belga, while Gabby Espinas got tossed for committing two technical fouls. Needless to say, these two teams are due for a rock ‘em, sock ‘em showdown in Game 3.

Game recap by Rey Joble/InterAKTV:

RAIN OR SHINE over ALASKA, 99-87

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters scored an emphatic 99-87 victory over the Alaska Aces to tie their PLDT Home Telpad Governors’ Cup semifinals matchup on Sunday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

“We just wanted it more than they did today,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “Hopefully we can keep that desire.”

Paul Lee starred with 21 points, including 11 in the final period to keep the Aces at bay.

With the win, the Elasto Painters reduced the series to a virtual best-of-three affair.

The Elasto Painters broke away in the latter part of the second period, turning a 26-all tie into a 50-38 lead at halftime.

Rain or Shine continued the onslaught in the third quarter, opening the second half on an 20-7 run to open up a 70-45 bubble.

Behind the brilliance of Lee, the Elasto Painters held off repeated charges from the Aces, who lost their cool while dealing with the big Rain or Shine lead. Alaska import Henry Walker, who was affected after hurting his right elbow in the first half, was called for a flagrant foul after pushing Beau Belga after a rebound play. Later, Aces enforcer Gabby was ejected after his second technical foul.

Guiao thought that Walker’s foul should have also resulted in an ejection. “I think they are too lenient on him,” said Guiao.

Rain or Shine won despite missing defensive ace Gabe Norwood, who was injured in the series opener.

“Everybody just stepped up for Gabe. We’re buying some time to make him well,” said Guiao.

“We beat Alaska in his absence with everybody making contributions.”

ROS 99 – Reid 27, Lee 21, Chan 18, Tiu 10, Belga 7, Arana 6, Teng 4, Cruz 2, Almazan 2, Nuyles 2, Ibanes 0, Rodriguez 0.
ALA 87 – Manuel 22, Walker 18, Casio 11, Thoss 9, Espinas 8, Abueva 8, Hontiveros 3, Baguio 3, Dela Cruz 2, Buenafe 2, Jazul 1, Bugia 0, Reyes 0, Belasco 0.
QS: 17-21, 50-38, 77-59, 99-87