PBA: Rain or Shine escapes Barangay Ginebra in gritty Game 1 semis thriller

Rain or Shine took down Barangay Ginebra after a wild ending, 115-111, in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

The Elasto Painters erased a 10-point deficit in the fourth period with Jaylen Johnson, Jhonard Clarito, and Gian Mamuyac leading the massive turnaround that allowed Rain or Shine to take its first Game 1 win in a best-of-seven series since 2019.

Before this, Rain or Shine suffered four straight losses in series openers.

"I thought they shot really well, especially RJ [Abarrientos]. Hirap din kami sa match-up, but I'm really proud of the guys because ang ano lang namin is show up and compete," Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said.

However, it was far from a walk in the park for the Elasto Painters.

Rain or Shine, which saw its early 13-point cushion disappear, suddenly faced a daunting 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter after RJ Abarrientos knocked down a triple to hand the Gin Kings an 84-74 lead.

The Elasto Painters, however, did not lost faith, even against a Barangay Ginebra squad long accustomed to finding ways to win.

Mamuyac sparked the comeback with a three-point play before Clarito and Johnson combined for four triples to help Rain or Shine regain a 95-94 lead. Barangay Ginebra, though, found a response when Brownlee and Abarrientos joined forces to build another 102-97 lead.

That was when Rain or Shine's character showed as Mamuyac took over, completing another three-point play before Johnson fired a four-pointer and Clarito hit a corner triple to give Rain or Shine a crucial 111-107 cushion.

Mamuyac then shone on both ends, denying a potential triple from Abarrientos and converting it to a mid-range jumper that allowed the Elasto Painters to seize a 113-107 lead.

Scottie Thompson drained a crucial four-point bucket to keep Ginebra alive, but his foul on Clarito shortly after led to two free throws that gave Rain or Shine a 115-111 edge.

A dramatic finish then unfolded as Clarito rejected Troy Rosario’s layup attempt in the final sequence, leaving Barangay Ginebra with just 0.5 seconds remaining.

The Gin Kings, however, couldn't convert as Thompson’s inbound pass sailed way off target.

Johnson turned in one of his best games in the PBA after dropping 40 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, and two steals while Clarito posted 25 markers, six boards, two dimes, and two steals to lead the local support.

Mamuyac finished with 18 points while Adrian Nocum and Malonzo chipped in 16 and 12 markers each.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 115 – Johnson 40, Clarito 25, Mamuyac 18, Nocum 16, Malonzo 12, Caracut 2, Manaytay 2, Santillan 0, Asistio 0, Villegas 0.

Barangay Ginebra 111 – Brownlee 32, Abarrientos 21, Thompson 17, Pinto 13, Gray 8, Holt 7, Rosario 7, J.Aguilar 4, Cu 2, Torres 0.

Quarters: 26-17, 42-49, 74-77, 115-111.

—JKC, GMA News