Shock Aaron Fuller return fuels ROS to Game 3 OT win vs Magnolia

There is no stopping Aaron Fuller even with only one eye healthy enough. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA––Two nights ago, Rain Or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao conceded at the possibility of playing all-Filipino against Magnolia in Game 3 of the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals with Aaron Fuller reeling from an eye injury.

However, in a shocking move that probably blindsided the Hotshots, Fuller, who was reportedly ruled out for Sunday night the day before, showed up and even played like his usual self.

Fuller put up dominating numbers even with only one healthy eye to lead the Elasto Painters to a 111-106 overtime win at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

As if he has 20/20 vision in both eyes, Fuller led ROS with 29 points on 9-of-13 field goals and 11-of-12 free throws, 11 rebounds, and six assists.

However, none was more important than his offensive rebound off Gian Mamuyac's free throw miss that helped preserve their team's 107-106 lead that time with 8.1 seconds left.

Fuller then made two charities off Calvin Abueva's foul to up the Elasto Painters' lead to three, and worse for the Hotshots, Paul Lee fumbled an inbound pass with Jhonard Clarito picking the ball up.

Clarito, who added 18 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block, iced the game with two free throws as ROS is now 2-1 up in their best-of-five series with a chance to close it out on Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Jabari Bird led Magnolia, which needs to win on Tuesday night to force a Game 5, with 31 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.

Zav Lucero added 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting including a perfect 3-of-3 from long-range highlighted by a four-pointer that sent the game to overtime, nine rebounds, and three blocks.

The Scores:

RAIN OR SHINE 111 – Fuller 29, Clarito 18, Mamuyac 15, Caracut 15, Santillan 13, Belga 10, Nocum 6, Norwood 5, Tiongson 0, Lemetti 0

MAGNOLIA 106 – Bird 31, Lucero 24, Dionisio 12, Sangalang 9, Ahanmisi 9, Abueva 8, Barroca 6, Lee 6, Mendoza 1, Dela Rosa 0, Reavis 0

QUARTERS: 29-18, 50-38, 73-66, 98-98, 111-106

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