ANTIPOLO - It was rainy for Rain or Shine without Aaron Fuller in a massive 69-121 loss in Game 2. With Fuller back for Game 3, things began to shine again for the Elasto Painters.
Fuller, who was forced out of action by an eye injury in the first quarter of the previous match, made a triumphant return as ROS grinded out a hard-earned 111-106 overtime victory over the Hotshots for a 2-1 lead in the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinal series Sunday night at the Ynares Center.
Though not yet in 100 percent condition from the swollen eye he sustained from a poke by Ian Sangalang two nights ago, Fuller insisted on suiting up for the crucial tiebreaker and provided a robust inside presence as always.
He banged in 29 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and issued three assists as he helped ROS survive a wild finish versus tough Magnolia.
"Aaron just provided us with a lot of inspiration and energy," said coach Yeng Guiao.
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"They (players) know what he went through. He was doubtful all the way up to the afternoon but he told our trainers he was feeling better and he wanted to play."
After blowing the chance to win it in regulation and conceding the tying four-pointer from Zav Lucero in the last 13.1 seconds of the fourth, ROS banked on Fuller's nine-point cluster built around timely baskets, offensive rebounds and free throws in extra time to pull through.
"Warrior talaga itong si Aaron. Tahimik lang siya but he plays with a big heart. He's able to control his emotions and carry our team on his shoulder. Hindi naman kami makakarating dito at mananalo sa larong ito kung hindi siya naglaro talaga," said Guiao, who bared the team even prepared for a Game 3 battle without Fuller and got a pleasant surprise when he declared his readiness to rejoin them.
Energized by Fuller, Jhonard Clarito (18), Gian Mamuyac (15), Andrei Caracut (15), Leonard Santillan (13) and Beau Belga (10) did their share in putting ROS on the hill and a chance to march into the semifinals with a followup win in Game 4 on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. (OL)
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 111 - Fuller 29, Clarito 18, Mamuyac 15, Caracut 15, Santillan 13, Belga 10, Nocum 6, Norwood 5, Tiongson 0, Lemetti 0.
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Magnolia 106 - Bird 31, Lucero 24, Dionisio 12, Sangalang 9, Ahanmisi 9, Abueva 8, Barroca 6, Lee 6, Mendoza 1, Dela Rosa 0, Reavis 0.
Quarterscores: 29-18, 50-38, 73-66, 98-98, 111-106
