MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – They don’t call him the Lee-thal weapon for nothing.
Paul Lee hit a clutch 3-pointer in transition with 51.4 seconds left in the fourth quarter which helped lift the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters past the Alaska Aces in Game 1 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, 105-97, on Friday, May 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After RJ Jazul split his free throws to cut the Elasto Painters’ lead to two with 58 seconds to go, Rain or Shine broke past the Aces’ full-court press, which left Lee wide open from the left wing for the game-sealing triple.
Calvin Abueva and Noy Baclao missed shots on the next Alaska possession, and Rain or Shine sealed the game at the foul stripe after.
Lee had a conference-high 20 points and hit 4-of-5 from downtown off the bench, while Jericho Cruz posted 18 points, 9 boards, and 5 assists.
Rain or Shine’s import, Pierre Henderson-Niles, finished with only 6 points but grabbed 13 rebounds. Alaska’s import Rob Dozier had a PBA career-high 41 points to go with 15 rebounds to lead his team.
Scores:
Rain or Shine (105): Lee 20, Cruz 18, Belga 15, Norwood 11, Ahanmisi 8, Ponferada 7, Henderson-Niles 6, Almazan 4, Quinahan 4, Tiu 4, Chan 3, Ibanes 3, Trollano 2
Alaska (97): Dozier 41, Baguio 14, Baclao 10, Abueva 9, Banchero 9, Jazul 5, Dela Rosa 4, Hontiveros 3, Thoss 2, Exciminiano 0
Quarter scores: 29-25, 51-46, 74-77, 105-97 – Rappler.com