ROS fights off 3-1 burial

MANILA, Philippines — Rising to the occasion, Rain or Shine neutralized the threat of falling to one of the most insurmountable deficits in a best-of-seven series.

And with their support crew stepping up big time against a Barangay Ginebra side prowling for a 3-1 lead, the Elasto Painters took Game 4, 97-85, to instead even up their Commissioner’s Cup semifinal duel last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Not even the foul woes of import Jaylen Johnson  could dishearten ROS in the intense game that saw coach Yeng Guiao and Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua engaging in a verbal tussle during and after.

“Eto lang naman ang gusto namin, ang pahabain ang series. The longer the series, the better our chance,” said Guiao after snapping a two-game slide and forcing Ginebra to a 2-2 tie.

“I feel our longer rotation, our bench can help out if we can extend this to six or seven games. ‘Yun ang advantage na nakikita ko (with a long series).

Guiao’s bench mob was a major contributor in this effort.

Led by Christian Manaytay’s 11, Mike Malonzo’s nine and Joshua David’s eight, ROS’ relievers produced 48 points against 12 from their Ginebra counterparts.

This came at a perfect time as Johnson was hobbled by foul trouble all game, playing only 26 minutes and posting a team-high 13 markers and 12 rebounds.