RoS holds off Air21, joins Alaska at helm

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine primed itself up for a fight for top spot with Alaska Milk Friday with a remarkable 94-83 win over Air21 in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup Easter Sunday faceoff at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay last night.

For the nth time, Bruno Sundov got into foul-trouble but the Rain or Shine locals stood their ground, overcoming Michael Dunigan’s 34-point production as it once again pulled even with the Aces on top on identical 8-3 win-loss slates.

The E-Painters and the Aces break the standoff in a crucial match Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the winner earning a guaranteed playoff shot at a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said it’s a pleasant surprise for them they’ve got a shot at the top.

“It’s a big game Friday. We’re not really expecting to be in the No. 1 or No. 2 spot, but we knew we’re semis contenders because we made the All-Filipino finals,” said Guiao.

Hardly surprising was the Rain or Shine locals winning it with their 7-foot-2 import saddled with fouls.

“I was a little worried Bruno fell into the same pattern of fouling early. We needed to sit him down, but the locals held their own. When Bruno came back, the game was under control already,” Guiao pointed out.

With Sundov on the bench, Jeff Chan, Ryan Araña, Beau Belga, Chris Tiu and Jervy Cruz did a  yeoman’s job for the E-Painters, snapping the Express’ four-game run. Air21 fell to eighth place at 5-6.

Araña stood out as he collected 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals – his belated birthday present for himself after turning 27 eight days ago.

“(When Sundov was pulled out) we’re told by coach Yeng to be aggressive and keep on attacking. Papagalitan kami kung di aatake,” said Araña.

Sundov spearheaded Rain or Shine’s bid early on, curiously making 3-of-3 from the beyond the arc as the E-Painters established control in the second quarter and went on to take the half at 45-38.

Dunigan, however, turned things around from the halftime break, attacking the defense of Sundov and picking his fifth foul with over four minutes left in the third quarter.

The E-Painters, however, hardly panicked, regaining control at 80-68 on a 27-12 run they worked on in the absence of their import.

Chan hit clutch baskets from afar and on fastbreak plays before needing substitution as he hurt his right shoulder. He topped the RoS locals with 16 points.

Sundov tallied 23 points as against Dunigan’s 34.

Despite Sundov’s penchant at getting into foul trouble situation, Guiao said they’re sticking with him all the way.

“We don’t entertain thoughts of having Bruno replaced even if there are issues about him (on fouls). That can be resolved,” said Guiao.