RoS takes thriller Game 3 in OT against Magnolia
Rain or Shine takes Game 3 in a thrilling overtime game against Magnolia, 111-106, on Sunday night, September 29, at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.
Jhonard Clarito was named the Best Player of the Game after scoring 18 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He was supported by Gian Mamuyac and Andrei Caracut who scored 15 apiece for the Elasto Painters.
“I'm happy that we were able to hold our emotion, we were able to play through the end game," said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.
"They are really a veteran team (Magnolia). They’ve been through a lot of battles like this. When you defeat Magnolia in a close match at the end game, it means that you are also tough when it comes to closing the game," added the fiery mentor in Filipino.
RoS import Aaron Fuller, who's doubtful to play in Game 3 after sustaining an eye injury in their previous game still suited up and even managed to put up double-double producing 29 markers and 11 boards.
The Elasto Painters erected multiple double-digit leads during the game but the Hotshots were so resilient to come back. They even tied the game at 98 after sophomore Zavier Lucero sank a four-pointer with 13.4 seconds in the fourth period.
A botched play of RoS almost cost them the game as it led to Magnolia's steal and gave them a chance to take the last shot in regulation but Mark Barroca's layup didn't go in.
It was a see-saw battle in the overtime period until the ending sequences happened.
Down 106-104, Lucero drove to the basket to lay his shot but was blocked by Clarito forcing the Hotshots to foul Mamuyac.
The play was reviewed by the referees and the block was deemed a goaltending violation, giving Lucero the points and forcing another deadlock at 106.
However, the foul called on Magnolia stood and the free throws were awarded to Mamuyac, much to the dismay of Hotshots coach Chito Victolero.
Mamuyac split his freebies, but Fuller got the offensive board, was fouled, and made the two foul shots to take a 109-106 lead.
A Magnolia turnover happened next that led to Clarito's steal. He was then sent to the foul line and sank both charities to seal the game.
Jabari Bird led all scorers with 31, while Lucero had 24 markers for the losing squad.
Game 4 of their quarter final series will be on Tuesday, October 1, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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.
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.
QUARTER SCORES: 29-18, 50-38, 73-66, 98-98, 111-106.
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