PBA: Rain or Shine dominates Barangay Ginebra to even semis series at 2-2

Rain or Shine dominated Barangay Ginebra, 97-85, in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The victory allowed the Elasto Painters to even the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

Rain or Shine came out firing, overwhelming Barangay Ginebra early and taking a commanding 58-36 lead at halftime after outscoring the Gin Kings, 27-13, in the second quarter.

Barangay Ginebra attempted a comeback in the third period, trimming the deficit to 12 points, 77-65, entering the final frame.

However, the Elasto Painters maintained control the rest of the way and held off the Gin Kings to secure the crucial win.

“Ito lang naman ang gusto namin, pahabain ang series. The longer the series, I feel na we have a chance. Chance lang naman,” Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said.

“We’re just looking for that chance. I feel like our longer rotation, our bench can help out if we can extend this to six or seven games. ‘Yun ang advantage na nakikita ko, we’re just trying to prolong the series.”

Import Jaylen Johnson posted 13 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists for Rain or Shine, while Gian Mamuyac added 12 points. Christian Manaytay chipped in 11 points, three rebounds, and one assist, while Adrian Nocum also scored 11 points.

For Barangay Ginebra, Justin Brownlee finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and one block, while Scottie Thompson contributed 20 points, three assists, two rebounds, and a steal. Japeth Aguilar added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 97 – Johnson 13, Mamuyac 12, Nocum 11, Manaytay 11, Clarito 11, Malonzo 9, David 8, Caracut 6, Tiongson 5, Santillan 5, Asistio 3, Belga 3, Cuajao 0.

Barangay Ginebra 85 – Brownlee 27, Thompson 20, J.Aguilar 10, Abarrientos 8, Holt 8, Pinto 4, Abis 4, Rosario 3, Cu 1, Torres 0, Go 0, Gray 0, Carino 0, Estil 0.

Quarters: 31-23, 58-36, 77-65, 97-85.

—JKC, GMA News