Rain or Shine outlasted Barangay Ginebra, 115-111, in a cardiac Game 1 finish to open their best-of-seven semifinals series in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Rizal.
The Elasto Painters ignited a crucial 11-0 blitz late in the fourth period, capped by a Gian Mamuyac jumper with 38.1 seconds remaining, to establish a 113-107 cushion.
Refusing to back down, the Gin Kings responded with their trademark resilience. Despite sustaining a visible lump on his forehead after colliding with Jhonard Clarito’s foot, Scottie Thompson drilled a sensational four-pointer with 19.5 seconds left to pull Ginebra within two, 113-111.
Clarito was immediately fouled by Thompson on the next possession and calmly sank both free throws to push the lead back to 115-111. However, the drama was far from over.
Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos launched a potentially game-tying attempt but shot an airball. Troy Rosario kept the Gin Kings’ hopes alive by securing the offensive rebound, only to be rejected by a recovering Clarito on his putback attempt.
The contest seemed over as opposing head coaches Yeng Guiao and Tim Cone shook hands on the hardwood, but Cone vehemently argued to the officiating crew that time remained on the clock.
Following a video review, referees restored 0.5 seconds to the clock—just enough for a final catch-and-shoot opportunity.
With Ginebra retaining possession, Clarito sealed his endgame heroics by deflecting Thompson’s inbound pass intended for Justin Brownlee, extinguishing the Gin Kings’ final threat as Rain or Shine successfully locked down the four-point arc to secure the series opener.
”Show up and compete,” Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao shared during the postgame press conference, recalling his message to his squad.
Import Jaylen Johnson spearheads the Elasto Painters’ charge, exploding for a monster 40-point performance—including consecutive three-pointers in the clutch—alongside 19 rebounds and two steals.
Clarito provided a massive local spark with 25 points and six rebounds, while Mamuyac chipped in 18 markers and five assists to anchor the gritty victory.
Brownlee paced the Gin Kings in the losing effort with 32 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Abarrientos added 21 points, while the bruised Thompson finished with 17 markers and seven boards.
Game 2 of the semifinals series is scheduled for Friday, May 22.
The Scores
RAIN OR SHINE 115 – Johnson 40, Clarito 25, Mamuyac 18, Nocum 16, Malonzo 12, Caracut 2, Manaytay 2, Santillan 0, Asistio 0, Villegas 0.
GINEBRA 111 – Brownlee 32, Abarrientos 21, Thompson 17, Pinto 13, Gray 8, Holt 7, Rosario 7, J.Aguilar 4, Cu 2, Torres 0.
Quarterscores: 26-17, 42-49, 74-77, 115-111.