MANILA, Philippines -- Silent in the first half, Jeff Chan came out firing 23 of his 24 points in the last two quarters to keep Rain or Shine alive with an 81-74 Game Five victory Sunday that cut down San Mig Super Coffee's lead to 3-2.
Before a sellout crowd of 20,512 at the Big Dome, the Elasto Painters again came through with a strong third quarter. This time, they sustained it until the end with Chan hitting big shots in the crucial stretch.
"Mas ginusto naming manalo. Hindi kami bumitaw," said Chan after the game.
With Marc Pingris bucking an eye injury, the Mixers zoomed to an early 20-10 spread via 16-1 run.
The Mixers held on to the lead until midway through the third when Chan caught fire.
"Ayaw ko lang matalo, ito na yung chance namin," Chan said. "Ayaw naming ibigay sa kanila tong larong ito."
James Yap carried the Mixers back into the game with a triple to come within two, 74-72.
But Gabe Norwood hit a triple of his own then Chan scored on a difficult turnaround jumper from deep corner that served as the dagger as Rain or Shine built a 79-72 cushion heading into the final 48 seconds.
Game Six is scheduled on Wednesday at 8pm in the same venue.