 |
| Chris Ross sizzled from the three-point area to turn things around in favour of the San Miguel Beermen on Game 2 of the Semifinals match against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Mall of Asia Arena. PBA Images |
By Xy-Zha Cabanlong
PASAY CITY - The San Miguel Beermen flawlessly took Game 2 of the best-of-five PBA Commissioner's Cup semis series against Rain or Shine, 117-105, on a Monday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Chris Ross scored a massive 34 points, most of which came from beyond the arc, to help the Beermen recover from a 29-point beating by Rain or Shine in the first half.
Outside shots worked for Rain or Shine in the first half with Gabe Norwood and Beau Belga scoring massive triples.
The Elasto Painters took control of the first half, leading as much as 29 points, even holding the Beermen to a 8-0 lead at the start of the game.
However, a late second quarter rally ignited by a steal by Christian Standhardinger with 3:54 left opened the doors for the Beermen to quickly kill the momentum of the Elasto Painters.
San Miguel then scored five triples; three of which came from Ross, one coming from Alex Cabagnot and the fire starter coming from Von Pessumal, to pave the way to trim the lead down to just 3 points; 49-52 at the halftime break.
Ross and Terrence Romeo combined forces in shooting from the outside and giving the momentum on the side of the Beermen at the start of the third quarter.
In a twist of fate, Rain or Shine struggled from the three-point line in the second half, which could have helped them cut their trail from San Miguel's beating.
Even the scoring prowess of Javee Mocon and Rey Nambatac from beyond the arc could not connect for the Elasto Painters despite the attempt of these young guns.
It did not bother San Miguel that much that Standhardinger was ejected in the game for incurring two technical fouls before the end of the third quarter off a scuffle with Jewel Ponferada as the Beermen were able to even use the ejection to their momentum, adding more grit to their already fierce beating against Rain or Shine.
The Elasto Painters trailed as much as 23 points, and were massively outscored by the Beermen, 40-21 at the end of three quarters to tally in a 89-73 score.
Despite the efforts of Rain or Shine to outscore the San Miguel in the 4th period, they were not able to make a massive come back to take the second game.
The semifinals between San Miguel and Rain or Shine continue on Wednesday at the the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, with the Beermen owning an advantage to close the series unless the Elasto Painters live for another day.
Follow her on Twitter: @_ichbinxyzha
.JPG)
.jpg)
