‘Passed the test’: Rain or Shine beats TNT at last in semis thriller
CAVITE, Philippines – Rain or Shine finally beat TNT, and more importantly, gained a sense of belief that it can go toe-to-toe with the defending PBA Governors’ Cup champion.
Aaron Fuller completed a crucial three-point play down the stretch, lifting the Elasto Painters to a thrilling 110-109 win over the Tropang Giga in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinals at the Dasmariñas Arena on Sunday, October 13.
Churning out 26 points and 16 rebounds, Fuller powered through a foul to convert a fastbreak layup then sank the bonus free throw with 3.8 ticks left as Rain or Shine avoided a precarious 0-3 deficit after dropping the first two games of the series.
“We get ourselves back in the series. Gives us the confidence that we can beat TNT,” said Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao.
“I think we passed the test of character today. We were able to hang in there with a strong team, a great import.”
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.
Quarters : 23-27, 51-43, 86-78, 110-109.
– Rappler.com