PBA: Rain or Shine barges into finals after sweeping importless Meralco

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are through to the finals of the Commissioner's Cup.

Pouncing on a hobbled Meralco team playing without import Josh Davis (dislocated shoulder), the Elasto Painters turned on the heat in the third quarter en route to a 107-98 victory.

The win gave Rain or Shine a 3-0 series victory and a ticket to the franchise's first-ever appearance in the midseason tournament.

"We got a really big break with their import not being able to play," said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, who said that the sweep was not indicative of how tough Meralco was.

"The scores do not reflect how  this series is for us."

Rain or Shine will player the winner of the other semis series between Purefoods and Talk 'N Text.

The Elasto Painters jumped to a an 18-point lead in the first quarter, 29-11. But Meralco battled back gallantly, taking a 52-49 edge at the break.

But Rain or Shine turned the heat back on in the third period, grabbing back a double digit advantage before cruising to victory.

Paul Lee scored 23 points to lead Rain or Shine.

Wayne Chism added 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while Ryan Arana pitched in 12 points. Off the bench, Raymond Almazan and Gabe Norwood added 14 and 10 points, respectively. - JST, GMA News

The scores:

RAIN OR SHINE 107 - Lee 23, Chism 16, Almazan 14, Arana 12, Norwood 10, Uyloan 8, Tiu 7, Belga 7, Ibanes 2, Teng 2, Cruz Jericho 2, Cruz Jervy 2, Quinahan 2, Tang 0.

MERALCO 98 - Hodge 20, Macapagal 20, Hugnatan 19, Anthony 14, Cortez 11, Caram 4, Wilson 3, Ildefonso 3, Sena 2, Ferriols 2,  David 0.

Quarters: 31-21, 49-52, 84-74, 107-98