Lee leads ROS over Alaska in Game 1 of PBA Finals

Jay R. Gotera Saudi Gazette MANILA — Paul Lee played his best game yet since returning from injury to lead the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to an emphatic 105-97 victory over the Alaska Aces in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-7 Finals Friday night. Lee banged in 20 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the final minute. His backcourt partner Jericho Cruz also delivered the goods for ROS, finishing with 18 points, nine boards and five assists. Beau Belga added 15 markers while Gabe Norwood chipped in with 11. Despite scoring only 6 points, import Pierre Henderson-Niles sparkled on the defensive end for the Painters, grabbing 13 rebounds and had three steals to help his team. All 13 players fielded by ROS coach Yeng Guiao scored at least 2 points as the Painters bewildered the Aces with their impeccable shooting from the outside. The Painters’ balanced firepower negated Alaska import Rob Dozier’s scoring explosion. Dozier led all scorers with 41 points, his personal-best in the PBA. He also grabbed 15 rebounds. The Painters and Texters torched the hoop with their impeccable outsider sniping, particularly in the fourth period. With the two teams tied at 85-all heading into the final minutes of the game, the Painters sparked a 9-2 run to give ROS a seven-point lead, 94-87, with time down to 5:50. The Aces cut the Painters’ lead to 96-94. But Lee momentarily found himself open to knock in a three-pointer. Maverick Ahanmisi then drilled two free throws as ROS padded its lead to 7 again, 101-94. Ahanmisi hit two more free throws before Cruz nailed the final two points of the game with a layup. The Aces sorely missed the services of two injured starters—Vic Manuel and JVee Cashio. Game Sunday: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Alaska Aces (Game 2 of best-of-7 Finals series; ROS leads 1-0).