RIZAL, Philippines – The surprise entry of import Aaron Fuller invigorated Rain or Shine as it rebounded from its worst loss in franchise history and moved on the cusp of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals.
Expected to be sidelined due to an eye injury, Fuller put the Elasto Painters on his back in a 111-106 overtime win against Magnolia in Game 3 of their best-of-five quarterfinals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, September 29.
Fuller hit crucial shots in the extra period and finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists in an uplifting effort that gave Rain or Shine a 2-1 series lead.
“Aaron just provided us a lot of inspiration, encouragement. They know what he went through. We all know what happened,” said Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao.
“He was doubtful all the way up to this afternoon. I was just told by our trainer that he was feeling a little better and that he wanted to play.”
Guiao said Fuller sustained a torn cornea after getting his eye poked by Hotshots big man Ian Sangalang near the end of the opening quarter of Game 2 on Friday, September 27, in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Fuller exited and never returned as Rain or Shine went on to absorb a 121-69 beating — its most lopsided loss in franchise history.
Chances of a bounce-back win in Game 3 looked bleak for the Elasto Painters as Guiao feared Fuller needed to sit out, but the American import recovered just in time to help Rain or Shine get back on track in its semifinal bid.
Fuller scored 9 points in overtime, including five pressure-packed free throws inside the final minute.
“Aaron is really a warrior. He is quiet, but he plays with a big heart. He is able to control his emotions and be able to carry our team on his shoulders,” said Guiao.
Jhonard Clarito also shone with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals for the Elasto Painters, pulling off a crucial defensive stop in the dying seconds that effectively shut the door on Magnolia.
Trailing 106-109 with eight seconds remaining, the Hotshots still got a crack at either the tie or the lead, but Clarito forced a turnover then sank the win-sealing foul shots.
Jabari Bird paced Magnolia with 31 points and 10 rebounds.
The Scores
Rain or Shine 111 – Fuller 29, Clarito 18, Mamuyac 15, Caracut 15, Santillan 13, Belga 10, Nocum 6, Norwood 5, Tiongson 0, Lemetti 0.
Magnolia 106 – Bird 31, Lucero 24, Dionisio 12, Sangalang 9, Ahanmisi 9, Abueva 8, Barroca 6, Lee 6, Mendoza 1, Dela Rosa 0, Reavis 0.
Quarters : 29-18, 50-38, 73-66, 98-98 (reg.), 111-106 (OT).
– Rappler.com
