Manila, Philippines – Import Wayne Chism and Paul Lee starred anew as Rain or Shine stretched its winning run to three games with a 103-91 victory over Barako Bull to forge a tie for at least second place last night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Chism had 32 points in his second game since replacing Rick Jackson while Lee came off the bench to score 16 markers to help the Elasto Painters secure a much-needed win before the league’s break for next week’s All-Star Weekend in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Rain or Shine Coach Yeng Guiao was pleased with the victory, saying it was a game they badly needed.
“We’ll go on a long break, a two-week break. It’s important to us to get a win before we go into the break,” Guiao said after ROS improved to 5-2 to tie idle Talk ‘N Text in the team standings.
ROS and TNT could join Meralco for the lead if the Bolts (5-1) lose to the NLEX Road Warriors in the game being played at presstime.
“We want this win badly, we want to take this break and relax a little bit going into the All-Star weekend.”
The Elasto Painters won’t be playing until March 13 when they face the struggling Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beermen.
Chism showed why ROS is flourishing since replacing Jackson.
He scored 20 points in the first half that saw the Painters take a commanding 20-point lead, 51-31, courtesy of TY Tang with 3:07 left before halftime.
But Barako Bull threatened early in the fourth period when Carlo Lastimosa’s jumper trimmed the deficit to 77-69 with 10:23 to play.
However, Rain or Shine had enough firepower to withstand the comeback of the Energy as Chism connived with Tang, Belga, Lee, and Chan, whose jump shot gave the Painters a 17-point advantage, 93-76, 4:47 remaining.
Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 103 – Chism 32, Lee 16, Quinahan 12, Chan 11, Norwood 7, Cruz 7, Tang 6, Almazan 4, Uyloan 3, Belga 3, Arana 2, Ibanes 0, Teng 0.
BARAKO BULL 91 – Alabi 23, Intal 19, Lanete 14, Marcelo 11, Mercado 9, Lastimosa 6, Garcia 4, Matias 3, Pascual 2, Chua 0, Hubalde 0, Salva 0, Paredes 0, Sorongon 0.
Quarters: 30-27; 53-40; 77-62; 103-91.