Painters move on; Aces force do-or-die

MANILA, Philippines – Jeff Chan went 3-of-3 from the long range at the outset of the contest and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters flashed near-impeccable shooting 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 last night.

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

They also used their speed to run the taller Ginebra side to the ground and went on to sustain the momentum of their come-from-behind 88-84 win in Game One last Sunday to match the Alaska Milk Aces’ streak of ninth straight Final Four stints from 1995.

Rain or Shine will next take on the winner of the San Miguel Beer-Star matchup in a best-of-five series. The Beermen and the Hotshots face off in a do-or-die game at 7 tonight, also at the Big Dome.

Alaska Milk outfought Tropang TNT in a defensive battle, grinding out an 85-81 win to force a do-or-die setto in their own best-of-three quarters showdown later in the night.

“TNT only had 81 points, right? I’m so happy the way we defended,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.

“It was a defensive battle. I certainly hope to keep them to only 81 points on Friday. Pero mukhang mahirap. We have to give them a different defensive look,” Compton added.

The Texters actually had a chance to steal the game but Troy Rosario, the Game One star with a career-best 31 points laced by seven triples, missed a potential game-winning three-pointer in the last three seconds.

 “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, Quiñahan, Maverick Ahanmisi, Jireh Ibañes 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.