MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The long wait for another championship finally came to an end for Rain or Shine on Wednesday, May 18, following the Elasto Painters' dominant 109-92 victory over the Alaska Aces in Game 6 of the Commissioner's Cup Finals at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Rain or Shine won a PBA title for the first time since the 2012 Governors' Cup - the franchise's first Finals appearance. After suffering losses in their next 4 Finals series, the Elasto Painters finally broke through and won coach Yeng Guiao's 7th career title.
Alaska, which won Games 4 and 5 after falling 0-3 in the series, fell to 14-16 in PBA Finals history and lost in the championship round for the fourth time in the last 6 conferences.
Jericho Cruz had 21 points and 5 rebounds to lead Rain or Shine, while Finals MVP Paul Lee finished with 20 points in the championship win.
Alaska was led by the 26 points and 8 rebounds of Calvin Abueva, the Best Player of the Conference. Kevin Racal also played well with 15 points.
Scores:
Rain or Shine (109): Cruz 21, Lee 20, Almazan 15, Quiñahan 14, Ahanmisi 8, Chan 8, Niles 7, Norwood 7, Belga 4, Tiu 3, Ponferada 2
Alaska (92): Abueva 26, Racal 15, Jazul 14, Dozier 11, Baguio 9, Banchero 6, Thoss 6, Hontiveros 3, Exciminiano 2, Baclao 0, Dela Rosa 0, Menk 0
Quarter scores: 38-24; 59-49; 84-69; 109-92
– Rappler.com