Lee, Chan reign, shine; Kings win

MANILA, Philippines - Paul Lee and Jeff Chan both came off the bench to fire 19 points each and put the finishing touches in Rain or Shine’s scrambling 96-93 victory over Powerade in the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center last night.

Gabe Norwood and Larry Rodriguez also had their steady presence down the stretch as the Elasto Painters beat the Tigers in a furious down-to-the-wire battle witnessed by a sell-out crowd at the Antipolo City playing venue.

Chan blocked a three-point shot by Gary David in the dying seconds, securing Rain or Shine’s second straight victory after another 94-93 squeaker over Barangay Ginebra on opening day.

The Tigers failed to follow up their triumphant season debut against the Shopinas.com Clickers as the Elasto Painters held them scoreless in the last 90 seconds of the contest that was close throughout.

“We’re winning close games and I consider this a good sign. We had the tendency before to collapse. Now we’re showing we can close out close games,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

“I feel Powerade is one of the stronger teams. They’re not yet at full force (minus top draft pick Jayvee Casio). We meet them just once (in the elimination round) and we want to make the most out of it,” Guiao added.

The veteran Rain or Shine mentor believed his team would still get better.

“The players are getting along well and the chemistry is getting better,” said Guiao who again uttered special words for their prized catch Lee.

Playing like a veteran, the 6-foot-2 freshman from UE had another sterling showing with 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. He tallied game highs of 21 points and eight assists in his pro debut versus Ginebra.

“I just feel that I’m in good condition and my teammates are helping me along,” said Lee, who dished out another big game despite getting into foul-trouble situation early.

He fished a foul from David and coolly knocked in the two gift shots to make it 96-93 with 57 seconds left to play.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra established control towards the end of the third quarter and roared on to pull off an 83-72 win over Alaska Milk in the nightcap.

“It’s not as easy as it seems. We caught them when they’re still on a feeling-each-other-out stage. They have a coaching change and new players. It will take time for them to get accustomed to one another,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

But Lee opted to take matters into his hands in the closing seconds and missed a three-point shot in a play where he could have gone strong to the basket with Powerade in penalty situation. This gave Powerade one final shot at forcing overtime.

“He made one or two misjudgments. He’s still young but as I’ve said he’s special,” said Guiao.

Chan, Norwood and Rodriguez teamed up with Lee as they engaged the Tigers in a nip-and-tuck battle entering the homestretch.

Rodriguez scored off Sean Anthony in a post-up play as the Elasto Painters surged ahead to stay at 94-93.

Earlier, Norwood had a follow-up slam while Chan fired a trey to highlight Rain or Shine’s baskets in a fiery shootout with Powerade.

NOTES: Former national and pro player Dave Regullano passed away yesterday due to heart attack. A product of Letran, Regullano was a member of the Phl team that won the ABC Championship in Manila in 1973. The remains lie in state at Funeraria Paz on Sucat, Parañaque. Interment will be on Wednesday…The PBA drew gate attendance of over 10,000 last night, the biggest in its new season thus far.

The scores:

First Game

Rain or Shine 96 – Lee 19, Chan 19, Norwood 11, Arana 10, Quinahan 9, Rodriguez 8, Belga 7, Buenafe 6, Ibanes 3, Cruz 2, Matias 2.

Powerade 93 – Kramer 16, David 14, Anthony 13, Lingganay 12, Lassiter 12, Calimag 11, Cruz 7, Martinez 3, Adducul 3, Crisano 2, Allera 0, Antonio 0.

Quarterscores: 21-21, 40-39, 68-65, 96-93

Second Game

Ginebra 83 – Canaleta 17, Caguioa 16, Cortez 12, Tubid 7, Helterbrand 7, Intal 6, Wilson W. 6, Villanueva 6, Labagala 4, Mamaril 2, Cervantes 0, Wilson J. 0. 

Alaska 72 – Baracael 20, Thoss 16, Dela Cruz 8, Baguio 7, Tenorio 6, Cablay 5, Custodio 4, Reyes 4, Salamat 2, Eman 0.

 Quarterscores: 17-20, 34-32, 61-51, 83-72