MANILA, Philippines – After having a difficult game the night before, Aaron Fuller made amends with a magnificent performance, scoring 26 points, including a game-winning three-pointer in the final 3.8 seconds. His valiant efforts prevented the Elasto Painters from dropping to a 0-3 deficit in their PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series, as Rain or Shine defeated TNT Tropang Giga 110-109. With the triumph on Sunday at the Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite, TNT’s lead in the race-to-four series was reduced to 2-1.

When the series resumes to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, coach Yeng Guiao and his Rain or Shine team will be trying to build on this momentum and push for an even. The Elasto Painters are still committed to advancing the series and maintaining their chances of winning a title.

Compared to Game Two, when Rain or Shine lost 91-108 and Fuller could only muster 13 points and six rebounds, his performance in this game represented a significant improvement. In the closing seconds of Game Three, Fuller scored all seven of the team’s scores, showcasing his adaptability and composure under duress. His most significant contribution came when he converted a three-point play to give the Elasto Painters a 110-109 lead after drawing a foul from TNT’s RR Pogoy.

Apart from his remarkable offensive feats, Fuller also contributed significantly to Gabe Norwood’s defense of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of TNT by making vital defensive plays. In the last moments of the game, Rain or Shine was able to hold onto their narrow lead thanks to the defensive effort. Hollis-Jefferson had one last chance to win it for TNT, but he missed, thus Rain or Shine managed to hang on for the win.

Rain or Shine was able to continue in the series because of Fuller’s tenacity and crucial contributions from his teammates. Rain or Shine is optimistic that this momentum will support their ongoing fight as they seek to equalize the series in Game Four, with the battle now moving back to the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tenacious.

With 16 rebounds, Aaron Fuller was able to continue his double-double, and his teammates’ contributions were vital in helping Rain or Shine defeat TNT by a tight margin of 110-109. Leonard Santillan led with 20 points and six rebounds, followed by Adrian Nocum with 10 points, Felix Lemetti with 11 and Jhonard Clarito with 15 points and four rebounds. The Elasto Painters were able to maintain their competitiveness throughout the game mostly due to their combined efforts.

Rain or Shine was in danger in the closing minutes of the game, even though they had led for much of it and had a lead as big as fifteen points. With two minutes remaining, the Tropang Giga had taken the lead 107-105 owing to an attacking outburst in the fourth quarter. With 1:18 left, TNT had taken a 109-107 lead thanks to a flurry of three-pointers, including ones from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Poy Erram, and RR Pogoy.

Nevertheless, Rain or Shine held their composure and took the lead again in the closing seconds, going on to win a crucial Game 3 and cut the series deficit to 1-2.

They had the opportunity to win it all, but a crazy play sequence ensued in which ROS stole the ball and found Fuller just in time for a shot that tied the score at 109-all.

Fuller smoothly made the additional charity with a foul to boot, and the E-Painters managed to hold on to end their series-long hemorrhage.

Scores at the end of the match:

RAIN OR SHINE with 110 points for the win

Individual Scores: Fuller 26, Santillan 20, Clarito 15, Lemetti 11, Nocum 10, Datu 7, Mamuyac 6, Norwood 6, Caracut 5, Belga 2, Asistio 2.

TNT with 109 points

Individual Scores: Erram 27, Hollis-Jefferson 23, Pogoy 22, Nambatac 17, Oftana 17, Aurin 2, Khobuntin 1, Galinato 0, Exciminiano 0, Varilla 0, Heruela 0.

Scores per quarter

23-27, 51-43, 86-78, 110-109