Paul Lee leads the way as Rain or Shine routs Beermen

Paul Lee ran rings around San Miguel's defenses in a game that was the last for the Beermen this conference. Photo by KC CRUZ, GMA News

Paul Lee scored 18 points to lead five other Elasto Painters in double figures as the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters eliminated the San Miguel Beermen, 124-99, on Sunday. 

"Good thing for us Lee's getting his game back," said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. 

"He's combining well with our guards with Ahanmisi and Jericho and Gabe."

The Elasto Painters wings did carry their load, with Gabe Norwood, Jericho Cruz, and Maverick Ahanmisi combining for 36 markers. 

After barely edging San Miguel 23-22 in the opening period, Rain or Shine overwhelmed the Beermen 38-20 in the second to lead 61-42 at the half. 

It was all about lead management from then on for the Elasto Painters as they cruised to victory. 

"It's a great feeling to be back in the finals especially beating a great team like San Miguel," Guiao said in the postgame press conference. 

"I rely a lot on the coaching staff. They prepare this team very well. We talk over the phone, we meet after the game. Dala nila yung sarili nila."

Rain or Shine now awaits the winner of the Alaska-Meralco series where the Aces lead 2-1. 

AZ Reid posted 25 points as a last-minute replacement for Tyker Wilkerson. Marcio Lassiter added 20, while Alex Cabagnot added 18. June Mar Fajardo, meanwhile, had a relatively quiet night with 12 points, while Chris Ross and Arwind Santos were limited to just six each. — APG, GMA News