Rain or Shine starts Governors’ Cup title defense with thrilling win over San Mig Coffee Arizona Reid made a triumphant return to the PBA, leading defending champion Rain or Shine to a thrilling 79-75 victory over San Mig Coffee on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Reid finished with 28 points and 20 rebounds in his return to the league after winning Best Import honors two seasons ago. Rain or Shine was up by nine points in the third period, 50-41, when a violent follow-up slam dunk by San Mig Coffee import Marqus Blakely woke up his team. The Mixers ended the quarter on a 20-8 run capped by a three-pointer from Blakely to take a 61-58 advantage. The lead ballooned to nine points, 69-60, before Rain or Shine came charging back behind Reid. The Elasto Painters scored the next eight points to come within a point, 69-68. A Beau Belga three-pointer tied the game at 73-all. Mark Barroca and Chris Tiu exchanged fastbreak layups, keeping the game even at 75 with a minute left. Two free throws from Paul Lee broke the game’s final deadlock, 77-75. Belga forced a turnover on Blakely, and Lee split his free throws to give the Elasto Painters a three-point advantage. Blakely missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the ensuing possession, forcing San Mig Coffee to foul Reid with nine seconds left. The dreadlocked import missed both of his shots, but the Mixers were unable to collar the rebound. James Yap was called for a foul on the play against Ronnie Matias, who made one of two free throws to seal the deal for Rain or Shine. Reid had five assists for Rain or Shine but also committed 10 turnovers. Blakely posted 26 points and 20 rebounds, but missed his first 11 free throws en route to 6-of-19 shooting from the line. Both teams missed Gilas Pilipinas stars coming off a stint in the FIBA Asia Championship — Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood for Rain or Shine and Marc Pingris for San Mig Coffee.
Posted on: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 10:03:14 +0000
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