PBA: Paul Lee rescues Rain or Shine from doom against NLEX

 

Paul Lee scored 27 points, including the biggest baskets down the stretch to lead Rain or Shine to a thrilling 95-93 victory against NLEX.

 

The Elasto Painters squandered a 15-point lead before Lee rescued them in the endgame. It was the fourth straight win for Rain or Shine, which improved to a 6-2 record in the 2015 Philippine Cup.

 

"You can call that a great escape," said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

 

"Maybe it's our experience, we're a little more experienced."

 

After controlling most of the game, Rain or Shine found itself trailing 91-84 with just over two minutes left.

 

Lee sprang into action, scoring immediately and following it up with a split from the line to put Rain or Shine within four points.

 

KG Canaleta and Gabe Norwood exchanged quick baskets, before Lee hit a pressure-packed three-pointer, 93-92, with 28 seconds left.

 

After Canaleta missed an alleyoop layup, Lee gathered the miss and raced down the court to draw a foul.

 

The stocky guard nailed both charities to put Rain or Shine back on top, 94-93, with 21.5 seconds remaining.

 

Rain or Shine sealed the game with two stops on Asi Taulava, with a Beau Belga split sandwiched in between for a final score.

 

Jonas Villanueva scored 22 points to lead the Road Warriors, who dropped to 3-6 after the loss. Lee's stellar performance came at the right time for a Rain or Shine squad missing Jeff Chan, Chris Tiu, Jervy Cruz, and Jeric Teng.

 

"Chan got the flu just yesterday, Chris, I thought he could play today but he played it safe, Jervy still with the pulled calf muscle, si Jeric may back pain sya," said Guiao. — JST, GMA News

 

The scores:

 

RAIN OR SHINE 95 - Lee 27, Norwood 12, Belga 11, Ibanes 9, Cruz Jericho 9, Uyloan 7, Quinahan 6, Tang 5, Arana 5, Almazan 4.

 

NLEX 93 - Villanueva J. 22, Canaleta 15, Cardona 14, Taulava 14, Borboran 11, Ramos 6, Villanueva E. 5, Arboleda 4, Baloria 2, Hermida 0, Raymundo 0, Apinan 0, Camson 0.

 

Quarters: 25-19, 57-45, 74-65, 95-93