Date with destiny: Rain or Shine defeats B-MEG to win Governors’ Cup

PBA/Nuki Sabio

In the ultimate game of the season, Rain or Shine finally booked its date with destiny.

The Elasto Painters survived a tough challenge from a veteran B-MEG squad, 83-76, to win the Governors’ Cup in a thrilling Game Seven Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Rain or Shine, which won its first PBA title in franchise history after six years in the league, caught a big break after Llamados import Marqus Blakely fouled out with still 8:30 remaining in the game. B-MEG tried to come back behind James Yap, who led all scorers with 23 points, but were kept at bay with timely hits by Rain or Shine.

Import Jamelle Cornley scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead the Elasto Painters. Jeff Chan and Gabe Norwood added 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Rain or Shine won the title despite missing star guard Paul Lee, the league’s Rookie of the Year, who re-injured his shoulder in Game Two. Guiao ruled out playing Lee in Game Seven despite making his desire known that he wanted to see action to help his team.

The Elasto Painters raced to a fast 35-22 start in the first quarter, with Cornley and Chan, the finals Most Valuable Player, combining for 17 points. But B-MEG cut the deficit to just two points at the half, 50-48.

The game remained close to start the second half, before foul trouble sent Blakely to the bench late in the third quarter, allowing Rain or Shine to grab the upper hand.

The Elasto Painters made good on the promise of coach Yeng Guiao, who guaranteed a victory after the team’s Game Two loss. “Naglakas-loob lang ako, either mag-mukha akong tanga, o magmukha akong genius,” he said, adding that his pronouncement added to the confidence of his players, none of whom had any championship experience coming into the series. “Tingin ko nakatulong.”

The Scores:

Rain or Shine 83 – Cornley 20, Chan 16, Norwood 15, Ibanes 8, Cruz 7, Belga 7, Arana 5, Tang 4, Buenafe 1, Jaime 0, Quinahan 0.

B-MEG 76 – Yap 23, Blakely 15, Simon 11, Urbiztondo 8, De Ocampo 8, Barroca 5, Reavis 4, Pingris 2, Villanueva 0.

Quarters: 35-22, 50-48, 68-64, 83-76.

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