RAIN OR SHINE shoots for a commanding lead against Alaska in Game Two of their best-of-seven championship series for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coming off an impressive series opening win on Friday, the Elasto Painters will try to repeat their 105-95 victory in their 5 p.m. encounter.
“It’s nice to win Game One, but we need four wins and Alaska, for sure, will be back,” said Rain or Shine Head Coach Yeng Guiao, whose wards managed to pull off the win despite a career game from Aces import Rob Dozier, who exploded with a personal best of 41 points.
“It will be closer next time. But I hope I’m wrong.” Guiao added. Paul Lee shone brightest for the Elasto Painters in Game One, playing his best game yet in the conference after getting sidelined in the elimination and quarterfinal rounds due to an injury.
“I’m very, very happy and excited for Paul’s game,” said Guiao, who drew a team high 20 points from the former University of the East standout. “We knew Paul’s getting back his games. This is the right time—championship, game on the line.”
While Dozier delivered his best game for Head Coach Alex Compton, the locals were far from impressive, particularly Calvin Abueva, the leading candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award. The usually energetic forward out of San Sebastian College had a quiet nine-point performance on Friday and had a couple of ugly misses and crucial turnovers late in the game .Cyrus Baguio and Noy Baclao were the only locals to hit double figures for Alaska with 14 and 10 points, respectively.