Philippine Governors’ Cup Finals goes to Game 5

Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters came away with a 88-79, Game-4 win over the San Mig Coffee Mixers in the Philippine Governors’ Cup Finals. The decisive fifth and final game of the series is set for July 9th. If Rain or Shine can manage to pull off another upset over San Mig for the title, they would not only have won this cup’s crown, but would have denied their rivals a grand slam for the year. San Mig has won the two previous PBA cups played out this season.

The Elasto Painters rode an explosive second quarter to take control of the game. They kicked their offense into high gear and virtually doubled San Mig’s output with 32-17 period after ending the first with a 21-21 deadlock. American import Arizona Reid and reserve Jonathan Uyloan showered the Coffee Mixers with four triples in the quarter and fueled their team’s momentum. As a team Rain or Shine finished the game with remarkable accuracy making 12-of-29 from deep (41.4%). San Mig’s import Marqus Blakely had a chance to cut into the deficit a few times, but his shooting woes from the free-throw line (5-15, 33%) did not help his cause.

After the half San Mig was unable to make considerable headway in chipping at the lead. The period was a wash and Rain or Shine headed into the final period 14-point advantage. San Mig made a final push in the fourth, but Rain or Shine held strong and came away with the W in the end.

Rain or Shine was paced by Arizona Reid who ended the night with an impressive 22-point, 17-rebound double-double performance. He also knocked down four of his eight shots from downtown to round out his overall solid offensive effort. It was not a one-man show though. Paul Lee and Gabe Norwood each added 14 points, while Beau Belga and Ryan Arana added 11 and 10 points respectively.

Despite his poor shooting from the line, Marqus Blakely still managed to end the game with 21 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. James Yap was the only other Coffee Mixer to manage to hit double figures with 12 points.