Elasto Painters shine as Tigers fade

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine made a big turnaround in the second half while taking the cue from prized rookie Paul Lee as the Elasto Painters drubbed the Powerade Tigers, 114-97, in the opener of their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal showdown at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

Lee put in all but three of his conference-best 25 points in the second half, leading a mighty charge that gave the Elasto Painters the head start in the series.

Jeff Chan, Larry Rodriguez and Beau Belga also provided a push as the Elasto Painters overcame a 15-point deficit, leading by as many as 19 before eventually grabbing the game.

“(Our slow start) was a cause for concern. We almost gave up on our game plan but the guys kept their poise and became more committed to it in the second half. That’s the reason we’re able to bounce back,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

“The game plan is simple. We’re not trying to match up one-on-one. Gary David will score anyway. We just want somebody in front of somebody at all times,” Guiao added.

David got away with his usual explosive game with 30 points but Powerade’s No. 2 guy Marcio Lassiter was held to just two on 1-of-7 shooting.

“It wasn’t the boys’ fault. It’s my accountability. I wasn’t able to make the right adjustments,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

“It’s good that it’s a series. They need to win four to win it. They’ve got one and need three more to beat us. My players are smart. They’re confident that they can come back,” Perasol also said.

The Elasto Painters go for the 2-0 lead while the Tigers seek the equalizer in Game Two tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.

JR Quinahan will miss Game Two as he goes home to Cebu today for his wedding. The burly center logged six points, five rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal to help the Painters draw first blood in the series.

The Elasto Painters went roaring in the second half, outscoring the Tigers, 35-22, in the third period and, 36-21, in the final canto.

From 44-59 down, the Elasto Painters worked on a decisive run to race ahead, 78-76, going into the payoff period.

Largely through the fiery start of their shooters, the Tigers enjoyed early double-digit spreads, sitting on a 54-43 lead at the half.

David and Josh Vanlandingham combined for seven three-pointers and a total of 29 points as the Tigers took the early initiative, opening a 54-40 margin towards the end of the first half.

David came out smoking, scattering 12 points including two treys in the first eight minutes of the games.

Subbing for David, Vanlandingham likewise started hot, firing four treys in a 23-13 exchange that opened a 44-34 lead for the Tigers.

Rudy Lingganay made a good account of himself, coming off the bench later, helping the Tigers stretch their lead to 14 at 54-40.

The scores:

Rain or Shine 114 – Chan 27, Lee 25, Rodriguez 16, Belga 9, Arana 8, Cruz 7, Quinahan 6, Ibanes 5, Tang 4, Norwood 3, Buenafe 2.

Powerade 97 – David 30, Lingganay 12, Vanlandingham 12, Casio 12, Anthony 8, Kramer 8, Adducul 6, Antonio 5, Lassiter 2, Crisano 2, Cruz 0.

Quarterscores: 25-29, 43-45, 78-76, 114-97