JAMES Yap turned back the clock to lead top seed Rain or Shine to a 103-97 win over GlobalPort on Thursday and a place in the semifinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The two-time league MVP scored 27 points and tied his career-high of seven three-pointers as the Elastopainters bounced back from a loss to GlobalPort on Tuesday to seal a semifinal playoff against Ginebra.
Yap, who played his best game since being traded by longtime team Magnolia two years ago, helped Rain or Shine book its first semifinal appearance in the post-Yeng Guiao era.
"I’m proud of the players that after we lost by one point, some teams would just give up. But these guys came out and played good. Hats off to James. It is the best game he has played for our team,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.
Reggie Johnson had 29 points and 15 rebounds for the Elastopainters, while Raymond Almazan had 16 points in the game, but it was Yap's timely sniping that created separation between the two teams.
Yap already had 13 points including three treys in the first half when Rain or Shine opened a 46-38 lead. He hit two more threes in the fourth quarter as the Elastopainters posted their biggest lead at 16, 86-70.
Stanley Pringle had 23 points and eight assists for GlobalPort, which got with four points inside the final minute, 101-97, but couldn't get any closer as Sean Anthony missed an open three from the right flank.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 103 – Johnson 29, Yap 27, Almazan 16, Tiu 12, Norwood 7, Belga 7, Ponferada 3, Daquioag 2, Ahanmisi 0, Borboran 0.
GlobalPort 97 – Pringle 23, Javelona 18, White 12, Anthony 10, Grey 10, Tautuaa 7, Teng 5, Elorde 2, Gabayni 2, Guinto 2, Espinas 2.
Quarters: 24-22; 46-38; 75-67; 103-97.
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