PBA: Rain or Shine tops Alaska, inches in on automatic semis berth

 

Jericho Cruz scored crucial baskets in the endgame to push Rain or Shine over Alaska, 98-95, on Friday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

 

"We just tried to stay tough all throughout, we were playing a catch-up game in the endgame," said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. "If we were able to keep the game close, we'll take our chances."

 

Rain or Shine won its sixth straight game to improve to 8-2, overtaking Alaska for the second spot in the 2015 Philippine Cup standings. Alaska finished their eliminations with an 8-3 card after being at first place for most of the conference, likely putting them out of the running for one of the top two seeds, which come with an automatic seat in the semifinals.

 

The Aces, however, are guaranteed a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

 

The Elasto Painters would still need to defeat dangerous Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday to clinch a top two seat.

 

"We're not there yet but it's a good jumpoff to Sunday's game," said Guiao. "Jumpoff for a greater motivation to win on Sunday."

 

Alaska was still up by two points, 95-93, when Jeff Chan drew a foul with 20 seconds left. The Elasto Painters shooter made the first, but missed the second.

 

Cruz, however, skied for the offensive rebound and made the basket that gave the Elasto Painters a 96-95 lead.

 

Rain or Shine foiled Alaska in the next possession, and Paul Lee found Cruz on the break. The rookie  put the final nail on the coffin with an easy layup.

 

"Jericho Cruz, he played like a veteran," said Guiao. "He made his free throws, he defended well, he made us look good in the rookie draft," said Guiao. — Marisse Panaligan/JST, GMA News

 

The scores:

 

RAIN OR SHINE 98 - Lee 19, Cruz Jericho 16, Belga 16, Norwood 12, Chan 8, Quinahan 8, Tiu 5, Almazan 5, Uyloan 3, Tang 3, Arana 2, Ibanes 1, Cruz Jervy 0.

 

ALASKA 95 - Abueva 18, Menk 16, Baguio 12, Casio 12, Manuel 11, Thoss 8, Hontiveros 6, Dela Cruz 4, Exciminiano 3, Jazul 3, Banchero 2, Eman 0, Dela Rosa 0, Bugia 0.

 

Quarters: 18-23, 42-45, 67-73, 98-95