Yap beats out Lee in showdown, hands E-Painters win No. 7
James Yap beat out Paul Lee in a fierce exchange of big baskets at the finish, delivering the game-winning three-point play in the last 3.2 seconds as Rain or Shine squeezed out a 75-74 win over Magnolia Pambansang Manok to firm up its hold of the lead in the PBA Philippine Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Wednesday night.
Yap came through with two triples and a critical three-point play in the fourth quarter, highlighting an 18-point performance in a big rebound from a mere two-point outing the last time out.
Lee had his big shots at endgame, including one from a great maneuver where he shook off Gabe Norwood on a turnaround move then scored on a fade-away shot off Beau Belga with 6.1 ticks to go.
The Elasto Painters, however, won't be denied - thanks to the equally superb move of Yap.
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The two-time PBA MVP winner eluded the double-teaming defense of Rome dela Rosa and Rafi Reavis to drain the equalizer.
And with a foul to boot, Yap canned in the accompanying free throw as the E-Painters stretched their hot streak to five games and fortified their place on top with a 7-1 win-loss card.
Ian Sangalang could have grabbed the win in the dying seconds but missed a make-or-break shot, thus Magnolia went down with a third loss in as many outings in the all-Filipino tourney.
Maverick Ahanmisi and Norbert Torres also came up with double-digit outputs for Rain or Shine with 13 and 11, respectively, while Raymond Almazan contributed 14 boards, five markers, three assists and two steals.
With a better shooting, the E-Painters took the initiatives until the Hotshots moved ahead at 66-64 on a rare trey by Rodney Brondial in the last 3:57 mark.
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Before that, the Hotshots last held the upper hand at 2-0.
From the 66-64 count, the two teams engaged in a nip-and-tuck fight until Yap made the winning play.
In missing his make-or-break shot in the dying seconds, Sangalang also put to naught his double-double game of 18 rebounds and 16 points.
Mark Barroca, Rob Herndon and Lee added 16, 11 and 10 points, respectively. (SB)
