Chan waxes hot as Rain or Shine sweeps Ginebra

Game Wednesday

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

7 p.m. – San Miguel vs Star

MANILA, Philippines – Jeff Chan went 3-of-3 from the three-point land at the outset of the game and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters put on display a wondrous shooting all throughout in crushing a badly stunned Barangay Ginebra side, 102-89, and booking a ninth straight PBA Final Four appearance at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday night.

Chan drained four triples in all and a total of 22 points, JR Quinahan performed as big with 21 markers and the rest of the team came out to provide a push as the E-Painters pulled off a jolting sweep of the Gin Kings in their Commissioner’s Cup best-of-three quarterfinals showdown.

Sustaining the momentum of their come-from-behind 88-84 win in Game One, the E-Painters matched the Alaska Milk Aces’ streak of ninth straight Final Four stints from 1995.

Rain or Shine advanced to the best-of-five semifinals versus the winner of the San Miguel Beer-Star matchup. The Beermen and the Hotshots face off in a do-or-die game at 7 p.m. Wednesday night also at the Big Dome.

 “The guys wanted so much to get that ninth Final Four. That’s something to be proud of. That makes us the most consistent team in the league and we’re proud of that,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

“We didn’t expect to go 2-0. We’re looking to go all the way to a Game Three, a hard series. It’s our speed. We just kept on emphasizing that Ginebra can’t keep up with us, but we also can’t beat them in a half court game. We’re able to impose our game,” Guiao also said.

The Elasto Painters dominated the Gin Kings and frustrated their throngs even with import sub Pierre Henderson-Niles obviously not in the best of shape but helpful at the paint with his wide body.

“I didn’t feel our import could make the adjustment quickly. I had to move him in and out so he could get his breath. I’m sure he’ll be in better shape in the next games,” said Guiao.

The E-Painters have gone 3-0 with the former Memphis U player – ROS’s fourth import in the tourney after Wayne Chism, Antoine Wright and Mo Charlo.

With a good start provided by Chan, Niles, Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood and Jeric Teng, the E-Painters enjoyed an early double-digit spread, 31-21, and stayed in control every inch of the way in a relatively easy victory.

Guiao made special mention of Niles, Quinahan, Maverick Ahanmisi, Jireh Ibanes and Norwood.

“I’m happy with our import. We’re not dominated inside. He’s more aggressive now. He couldn’t finish a few plays but I like what I saw,” said Guiao of Niles.

 “JR played another excellent game, stepped up, made big points and stopped the momentum of the other team. He’s been steady throughout the conference. Maverick stepped up in the second half. Gabe and Jireh had a good defensive job on the Ginebra import,” said Guiao of the key local performers.

Efficient on both ends, the E-Painters sat on a 77-64 cushion at the end of the third and preserved a double-digit advantage throughout the final period.

The E-Painters converted 47 percent of their shots while the Gin Kings struggled with a 39-percent clip. Rain or Shine fired 11 triples as against Ginebra’s three.