Rain or Shine did not want to go down into a 0-3 hole and that's exactly what it did against TNT in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals on Sunday, Oct. 13.
In its third test of character, Rain or Shine passed with flying colors on Sunday, Oct. 13.
This after the Elasto Painters survived a late-game TNT uprising and hung tough for a 110-109 win in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao was pleased.
“Pahirapan 'yung laro pero I think we passed the test of character today. We're able to hang in there with a strong team, great import,” said Guiao shortly after the match at the Dasmarinas City Arena in Cavite.
[WATCH: Rain or Shine finally chalks up win against TNT in Game 3 of semis | PBA Highlights]
Rain or Shine held a 103-96 edge at the 4:33 mark but faced an assault from the Tropang Giga who launched a furious 11-4 rally to knot the count at 107-all.
TNT continued firing as Rey Nambatac then scored on a layup off a high pick-and-roll with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson for the Tropang Giga to snatch the upperhand at 107-109 with 1:20 left to play.
But the Elasto Painters refused to fold.
After Hollis-Jefferson missed a baseline jumper, Rain or Shine did what it does best — run.
The Elasto Painters found a streaking Fuller, who converted a tough basket and nailed the bonus free throw to grab the lead back and settle the final score with 3.8 ticks to go.
That time was more than enough for Hollis-Jefferson to drive from the left elbow and take a tough shot against Fuller and Gabe Norwood.
Fortunately for Rain or Shine, RHJ’s shot went a little too strong.
“Mabuti nailusot namin kasi ayaw namin ulit na ma-sweep kami kamukha noong nangyari doon sa last semis with San Miguel,” said Guiao, referring to the Elasto Painters' Philippine Cup penultimate round loss to the Beermen last season.
Fuller went above his 15.5 average points this time, delivering 26 big points and 16 rebounds.
Santi Santillan provided able support as he fired 11 of his 20 points in the second period to help give Rain or Shine a 51-43 lead heading into the break. He also had six rebounds.
While taking on the task of guarding Hollis-Jefferson, Jhonard Clarito also contributed 15 points, four rebounds and three assists in the much-needed victory for the Elasto Painters.
“We played more as a team today. We spread the responsibility. We got a lot of guys helping out Aaron in the scoring,” said Guiao.
Meanwhile, Poy Erram (27 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks) and Hollis-Jefferson (23 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, two steals and one block) saw their all-around efforts go down the drain.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 110 – Fuller 26, Santillan 20, Clarito 15, Lemetti 11, Nocum 10, Datu 7, Mamuyac 6, Norwood 6, Caracut 5, Belga 2, Asistio 2.
TNT 109 – Erram 27, Hollis-Jefferson 23, Pogoy 22, Nambatac 17, Oftana 17, Aurin 2, Khobuntin 1, Galinato 0, Exciminiano 0, Varilla 0, Heruela 0.
Quarterscores: 23-27, 51-43, 86-78, 110-109