ROS pounds Alaska with three-pointers to go up 3-0

Jay R. Gotera Saudi Gazette MANILA — The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters rained down three-pointers all night long to swamp the Alaska Aces, 112-108, in Game 3 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. The Painters thus seized a commanding 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven series and could wrap it all up, clinching their second title in franchise history, with another win Friday. The Painters converted 15 of 30 three-point shots, six of which came in the second quarter when ROS began pulling away. JR Quinahan paced ROS with 18 points, 13 in the second quarter alone. Jericho Cruz added 17 markers. Import Pierre Henderson-Niles had his most explosive game in the Finals, finishing with 11 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Paul Lee, the hero of Games 1 and 2, added 10 points and three assists in just 16 minutes off the bench. Rob Dozier led Alaska with 23 points and eight boards, while Calvin Abueva made 20 points and the same number of rebounds in a losing effort. Abueva was hobbled by foul trouble and fouled out with over four minutes left in the game when the Aces were in the middle of a furious rally. Chris Banchero and RJ Jazul added 15 and 14 markers, respectively. Having been swept by the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Cup Finals, Alaska has now lost a league-record seven successive games in a championship series. ROS appeared headed for a blowout victory as the Painters erected a 95-68 lead late in the third quarter. Alaska gallantly fought back, outscoring ROS 36-17, coming to within four points. But ROS’ lead was just too much for Alaska to hurdle as the Aces folded up after a blazing last-gasp rally. Meanwhile, six teams reshuffled their respective line-ups in preparation for the season-ending Governor’s Cup. GlobalPort acquired shooter Karl Dehesa from Mahindra in exchange for rookie Roi Sumang and guard Paolo Taha. Mahindra then sent Sumang to Blackwater, acquiring gritty winger Keith Agovida in exchange. Phoenix also changed its roster, acquiring Mark Borboran and Simon Enciso from NLEX. In return, NLEX received Mac Baracael, Emman Monfort and Phoenix’s best second round draft pick in return. Star likewise tweaked its roster, obtaining the services of RR Garcia and Rodney Brondial from Phoenix and Keith Jensen from GlobalPort. Game Friday: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Alaska Aces (Game 4 of best-of-7 Finals; ROS leads 3-0).