MANILA — Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters saved its bid in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after downing San Miguel Beermen, 112-104, to prevent a sweep of their semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night.
This time around, the Elasto Painters kept the Beermen from a huge comeback similar to what happened in Game 2 on Monday night as they finished the game strong.
Just like Game 2, ROS went to a hot start, ending the quarter with a 30-16 advantage.
However, SMB came alive in the second quarter and tied the game at halftime, 54-all.
This time, the E-Painters regained control in the third quarter and took an 86-80 lead into the fourth.
But the Beermen still had plans in mind, even retaking the lead, 104-102, with 1:37 left in the game.
Gabe Norwood sparked the deciding 10-0 run by ROS in the end with the go-ahead three-pointer with 1:11 left while blocking Chris McCullough's layup attempt to save his team's cause.
Chris Montgomery scored 25 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block for the E-Painters, who sent the best-of-five series to a Game 4 on Friday night back at "The Big Dome".
Rey Nambatac added 22 points, one rebound, three assists, and one steal off the bench.
McCullough had 51 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, one block, and a steal for SMB. (PNA)
