Wingman sinks late three-pointer to save Rain or Shine against gritty Barako Bull

Games today

Mall of Asia Arena

3:00 p.m.- Petron vs. Talk ‘N Text

5:15 p.m.- Barangay Ginebra vs. Meralco

Lefty gunner Jeff Chan buried a three-pointer in the final 8.2 seconds to save the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters from the upset-conscious Barako Bull Energy Colas, 99-95, last night in the 39th PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Energy Colas narrowly missed what could have been a stirring win as they were able to steal the lead after trailing for most part of the game.

Barako Bull wiped out Rain or Shine’s double-digit advantage when Willie Miller sank a mid-range jumper that put the Energy Colas on top, 95-94, with 18.1 seconds to go.

Then came Chan’s heroics, hitting a triple in the next play to hand the lead back to Rain or Shine, 97-95.

Gabe Norwood sealed Rain or Shine’s win by stealing the ball from JC Intal then hit two free throws to peg the final tally.

The booming triple capped Chan’s game-long brilliance as he led the Painters with a whopping 34 points. Paul Lee added 14 markers for the Painters, who recorded their second straight win after scoring a 99-95 overtime win over the previously unbeaten Petron Blaze Boosters last Saturday.

Rain or Shine remained at solo fourth place with a 6-3 (win-loss) card.

The Energy Colas stumbled again after hacking out a 99-86 win over the Meralco Bolts last  Sunday, a victory that ended a six-game slide. Barako Bull fell to 3-7.

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