The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters earned the first finals slot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup 2015 after they defeated the Meralco Bolts in the best-of-five semi-finals slot with the final score at 107-98. The Elasto Painters made a remarkable 3-0 sweep against the Bolts at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Meralco Bolts played against the Rain or Shine on Tuesday night although they were playing most of the time with their all-Filipino line-up due to the injury suffered by their import Josh Davis who suited up for the team in limited minutes. Josh Davis sustained his injury during the Game 2 of their semis encounter against the Elasto Painters.
Although the Bolts played without the service of their import, the locals fought gallantly as they roared back from an early 19-point deficit but the team succumb to the Painters depth bench.
Elasto Painters stars Raymond Almazan and Paul Lee led the Painters in the third period unleashing a combined 22 points out of the 35 total score by their team as they took control the Bolts gunners. Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Paul Lee finished the game with 23 points, and six assists while their import Wayne Chism finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, three assists shy of a triple double performance.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will now wait for the winner of the other semis battle between the Purefoods Hotshots and Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, who were enjoying a tied series with 1-1 win-loss card. The Game 3 of the Purefoods vs. Talk ‘N Text game will be held this coming Thursday at around 7:00 PM at the Big Dome.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 107—Lee 23, Chism 16, Almazan 14, Arana 12, Norwood 10, Uyloan 8, Tiu 7, Belga 7, Ibanes 2, Teng 2, Cruz Jericho 2, Cruz Jervy 2, Quinahan 2, Tang 0.
MERALCO 98—Hodge 20, Macapagal 20, Hugnatan 19, Anthony 14, Cortez 11, Caram 4, Wilson 3, Ildefonso 3, Sena 2, Ferriols 2, David 0.
Quarters: 31-21, 49-52, 84-74, 107-98