MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters bounced back from a 19-point deficit to defeat the San Miguel Beermen, 108-105, on Friday, March 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The win improved the record of Rain or Shine to 3-3, putting them in a tie with 4 other teams, while San Miguel dropped to 3-2 in the league standings.
The Beermen lost big man June Mar Fajardo to a right knee injury in the second quarter of the game. He left the arena during the second half to get an MRI as a precautionary method, and said he believed the issue is a bone bruise.
“We got another big break - June Mar injuring himself, or accidentally by a teammate… that’s the biggest break for us in this game,” Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said after the contest.
New Elasto Painters import Mo Charlo played well in his debut with 35 points and 13 rebounds, including hitting big baskets down the stretch. Rookie Maverick Ahanmisi pitched in 13 points off the bench.
“We got an import we needed. He’s not as big as the other imports but he’s a great defender,” Guiao said about Charlo, whom he also complimented as someone who shoots the ball well, is active, and runs hard.
San Miguel was led by the 33 points of Tyler Wilkerson, who missed the potential game-tying shot at the buzzer. Marcio Lassiter had 18 points in the loss.
Scores:
Rain or Shine (108): Charlo 35, Quinahan 15, Ahanmisi 13, Tiu 13, Chan 12, Cruz 6, Ponferada 5, Belga 4, Lee 3, Norwood 2, Almazan 0, Ibanes 0, Trollano 0
San Miguel (105): Wilkerson 33, Lassiter 18, Cabagnot 18, Ross 12, Santos 10, Espinas 4, Fajardo 4, Lutz 4, Semerad 2, Arana 0, De Ocampo 0
Quarter scores: 32-14, 46-44, 76-76, 108-105 – Rappler.com