Mixers cuff Elasto Painters, escape with 2-1 lead

MANILA, Philippines – San Mig Coffee pulled off a crucial defensive stop at the endgame to escape with a 77-76 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

With the game hanging in the balance, the Coffee Mixers denied the Elasto Painters a chance to steal the win, clamping down on Paul Lee in the final possession. Lee, unable to find a clear shot, passed to Jeff Chan, who bungled a three attempt from way beyond the arc as time expired for the final count.

PJ Simon led all scorers for San Mig Coffee with 14 points, but it was Joe Devance who did the most damage in the final quarter to finish with a total of 13 markers and 9 rebounds.

James Yap and Ian Sangalang were the other Mixers in double figures with 13 and 12 points, respectively, to help their squad grab a 2-1 series lead.

Lee paced Rain or Shine with a game-high 23 points while Chan registered 11 markers.

Game 4 is scheduled on Friday at the same venue.