Wayne Chism gets triumphant PBA return as Painters beat Alaska
Even without top guard Paul Lee, Rain or Shine still had another Gilas Pilipinas standout to turn to in the stretch.
Wingman Gabe Norwood came through with big buckets in the critical juncture as the Elasto Painters got back at the Alaska Aces on Friday night 99-89 to gain a share of third spot in the PBA Commissioners Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
In control of the majority of the match despite the absence of the 6-foot-1 Lee who was sidelined by an injured left elbow he sustained in their recent practice, Rain or Shine still needed seven big points from the 6-foot-5 Norwood and a couple of defensive stops that highlighted their blinding 13-4 windup to hold off the Aces.
Import Wayne Chism, who replaced Richard Jackson, made a triumphant return with a dominant 24-point, 21-rebound outing while Jeff Chan added 16 markers for the Painters, who improved to 4-2 overall alongside defending champion but suddenly struggling Purefoods Star, which they also beat 78-71 in Dipolog City over the weekend.
Former San Antonio Spurs reserve Damion James led all scorers with 25 points but struggled from the field, hitting just nine of his 27 attempts from the field, for the Aces, who fought back from 11 points down and pull within 85-86, only to run out of steam and eventually drop to a 2-3 mark.
With Dondon Hontiveros hitting three straight triples, the Aces regained their bearings and even led by two rice in the payoff canto, the last at 76-74 off Calvin Abueva’s reverse lay-up against Rain or Shine center Raymund Almazan.
However, Abueva suffered an awkward landing and apparently injured his left knee, prompting him to watch from the Aces bench.
The Painters gamely pounced on Abueva’s absence as they restored order with a 12-4 counterattack, capped by Chism’s triple for an 86-80 lead with 3:14 left to play.
But the Aces charged back and scored five unanswered markers, the last off a try by Casio to pull them within 85-86 with a little over two minutes left.
Rain or Shine, through, would have another ace up on its sleeve in the form of Norwood, who drilled in a triple and turned a pair of Alaska errors into two clutch buckets for an instant eight-point cushion with 76 seconds ego play.
The Main Man: Gabe Norwood shone anew just in time for the Painters, hitting all of his seven points in a 40-second span, sparking their strong closeout.
Honorable Mention: Also coming up big for the Painters was import Wayne Chism, who scored 21 points and hauled down 21 big rebounds.
Game Turning Point: After JVee Casio pulled the Aces within 85-86 off a triple, Norwood unloaded a personal seven-to-nothing run that enabled the Painters to seize full control going to the final minute.
Stat of the Game: This time, the Painters lorded it over the Aces in terms of rebounding, enjoying a big 53-43 edge, thanks to import Wayne Chism’s game-high of 24.
Next Games:
Alaska versus Barako Bull on Feb. 24 at the Cuneta Astrodome
Rain or Shine against Barako Bull on Feb. 27 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum
He Said It:
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao: The score doesn’t tell how close this game is. We survived horrible free throw shooting and Paul Lee’s absence. Good thing, Wayne Chism came in and he’s 100 percent fit. He helped us a lot in this game. Wayne’s game justifies his presence for us.Overall, its a good team effort for us.We made big baskets when it really mattered.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 99 - Chism 24, Chan 18, Norwood 14, Tiu 11, Uyloan 9, Belga 9, Cruz 6, Arana 3, Almazan 3, Tang 2, Ibanes 0, Quinahan 0.
ALASKA 89 - James 28, Baguio 12, Manuel 11, Abueva 10, Hontiveros 9, Jazul 8, Casio 5, Exciminiano 4, Menk 2, Eman 0, Banchero 0, Espinas 0, Dela Rosa 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarter scores: 26-16, 48-39, 67-63, 99-89
