B-MEG wins tough Game Two, ties series against Rain or Shine

AKTV/Paolo Papa

Stunned in Game One, B-MEG came out better prepared and made key adjustments, negating Rain or Shine’s physical game and pulling off a gripping 85-80 win in Game Two of their PBA Governors’ Cup best-of-seven finals series at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

James Yap hit a big, fall away jumper that broke the backs of the rallying Elasto Painters and enabled the Llamados to tie the series at 1-all.

“Big Game James turned out to be a Big Shot James,” said B-MEG coach Tim Cone.

Yap finished with 24 points and got plenty of help this time from import Marqus Blakely, who finished with 26 points and 16 rebounds as the Llamados bounced back strong, grabbing 19 more rebounds than their rivals (58-39).

“We outrebounded tonight and we were fortunate they shot only 52% from the field. We were looking for whatever advantage we can get to equalize the series, but the coaching staff did a great job coming up with plans and preparing us for Game 2,” added Cone.

Peter June Simon also played a valuable game Wednesday, finishing with 16 points and six rebounds to make up for his sub-par showing in Game 1.

Jamelle Cornley led Rain or Shine with 18 points and 14 rebounds followed by Jeff Chan, who contributed 12 points.

Paul Lee chipped in 11 points and seven assists before leaving the game with 1:16 left in the game because of an aggravated shoulder injury.

Lee grimaced in pain in one crucial play after trying to steal the ball from Simon. He went down and stayed on the floor for a few seconds before he was carried off by his teammates. He stayed on the bench while his shoulder was treated, and a stretcher was later called to help carry Lee to an ambulance headed for Cardinal Santos Hospital.

The scores:

B-MEG 85 – Blakely 26, Yap 24, Simon 16, Barroca 8, De Ocampo 6, Villanueva 2, Pingris 2, Reavis 1, Urbiztondo 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 80 – Cornley 18, Chan 12, Lee 11, Cruz 10, Norwood 9, Buenafe 7, Ibanes 7, Belga 4, Arana 2, Tang 0, Quinahan 0.

Quarters: 21-26, 44-41, 65-60, 85-80.

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