Rain or Shine survives Coca-Cola import's gallant stand

This time, James Penny failed to inspire the Coca-Cola Tigers.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters put to naught the gallant stand made by the wounded Coke import, erecting a huge first half lead before nailing critical baskets down the stretch to complete a 91-80 win Friday night in the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jai Lewis failed to duplicate Penny’s scoring output, but accounted for seven of Rain or Shine’s nine points in one stretch of the fourth quarter, while Ryan Araña hit a big three-pointer in the final 65 seconds of the Elasto Painters’ third win in five games.

“We showed character. Coke is a very strong team, and they have a very good import," said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

“It’s very hard to bounce back," he later admitted, referring to his team’s heartbreaking 100-98 loss to Barangay Ginebra last Saturday in a road game held in Victorias City, Negros Occidental where the Elasto Painters held lead of as much as 16 points.

Coke only lost for the second time in six starts, notwithstanding the presence of Penny, who showed up for the game and risk aggravating the cut that needed three stitches to close when he was hit unintentionally by Lorenzo Wade’s elbow in Coca-Cola’s 79-76 victory over Derby Ace last Wednesday.

Penny, sporting a protective mask that he would take away later in the game, finished with 34 points – 27 coming in the second half – and 10 rebounds, but committed seven turnovers.

What did the Tigers in, however, was the absence of local support, especially gunner Gary David, who was held to a conference-low 10 points.

“If Gary’s not going to score, somebody has to," said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

Lewis finished with 19 points and added 13 rebounds, while Sol Mercado chipped in 17, JR Reyes contributed 14 and Gabe Norwood 13.

The Elasto Painters led by as many as 17 points (47-30), but allowed Coca-Cola, behind Penny, cut the deficit to within 53-49. The Painters jacked it up once more at 79-71 going into the final period, before being threatened again at 81-76 on Dennis Espino’s two free throws.

But Lewis connected on two free throws and then went to the line once more where he came through with a 3-point play in reverse, following up his missed second free-throw to put Rain or Shine up at 86-76.

After David had a split of his own, Araña sank a three-point basket to seal the outcome at 89-77 with 65 seconds left to play.