By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--Rain Or Shine bucked an early double-digit deficit and turned back Meralco, 92-82, in Game 2 of their PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters started slowly and trailed by as much as 14, 13-27, late in the first quarter, but they slowly crawled and took the lead midway through the third. They then extended the lead to as high as 17, 87-69, in the final period.
The Bolts kept the game interesting as they launched a 13-2 rally to cut the lead to seven, 89-82, with less than two minutes left.
However, Wayne Chism spoiled the comeback bid as he drained a three-pointer to seal the win and give Rain Or Shine a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
Paul Lee led the Elasto Painters, who can close out the series on Tuesday, with 23 points, while Jericho Cruz added 15.
Josh Davis had a better performance from his dismal Game 1 as he tallied 25 points for the Bolts, who now need to win three straight to clinch their first finals appearance.
Box Scores:
Rain Or Shine 92-Lee 23, Jeri. Cruz 15, Chism 11, Tiu 10, Uyloan 9, Belga 7, Quinahan 6, Norwood 5, Ibanes 3, Tang 3, Teng 0, Arana 0, Jerv. Cruz 0, Almazan 0
Meralco 82-Davis 25, David 17, Hugnatan 12, Wilson 7, Cortez 6, Caram 5, Hodge 2, Anthony 2, Ildefonso 2, Sena 2, Ferriols 2, Macapagal 0
Quarterscores: 16-27, 44-47, 76-61, 92-82
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