San Mig import James Mays scores on an elegant hook shot over a Rain or Shine defender in Saturday night's PBA action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Jay R. Gotera Saudi Gazette MANILA — The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers continued their mastery over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, cruising to a 91-74 win Saturday night for their third straight victory in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Just like in their last Philipine Cup finals, which San Mig won 4-2 over Rain or Shine, the Mixers had little trouble disposing their rivals. San Mig thus retained solo second in the standings, two games behind the leader and likewise undefeated Talk N Text Tropang Texters (5-0). Rain or Shine fell to eighth place after absorbing its third defeat in four outings. Import James Mays once again led the Mixers with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Mays had ample local support with six Mixers scoring at least seven points each. PJ Simon had 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting, while Marc Pingris contribute 10 points, four rebounds and four assists. Ian Sangalang and James Yap chipped in nine points each while Joe Devance and Alex Mallari added seven points apiece. San Mig shot a sizzling 35-of-75 (46.7 percent) from the floor, while Rain or Shine could only come up with 29-of-81 (35.8 percent). The Mixers also capitalized on the Painters' numerous turnovers en route to a 19-9 edge on turnover points. Rain or Shine import Alex McLean scored 18 points and 13 rebounds before getting benched for the entire fourth quarter by a visibly frustrated coach Yeng Guiao. Paul Lee added 12 points and three assists, while Gabe Norwood scored all his nine points in the final quarter. Adding to Rain or Shine's woes were the injuries to two key players — JR Quinahan and Ryan Arana — which kept them off the court on Saturday. The Painters were within five points, 45-40, early in the third quarter when Simon scored five straight points to restore San Mig's double-digit advantage. Yap then connected on back-to-back three pointers as the Mixers raced to a 60-44 lead. The Mixers continued their relentless assault in the final frame, leading by as many as 27 points. San Miguel Beer 106, Barako Bull 100 The San Miguel Beermen survived a devastating performance by Barako Bull import Josh Dollard to pull out a 106-100 win in the first match of the Saturday twin-bill. Dollard exploded for 46 points, including 10 straight in the fourth quarter. But his heroics were not enough as the Beermen's own reinforcement, Kevin Jones, also sparkled in the endgame, scoring his team's last seven points. Jones finished with 28 points, 18 rebounds, five assists and two steals to tow the Beermen to their fourth win in five outings, good for solo third in the standings. Five SMB locals scored in double figures with Marcio Lassiter contributing 19, Arwind Santos 16, June Mar Fajardo 15 points and Paolo Hubalde, 13 Santos and Fajardo also grabbed 11 rebounds each. Despite the huge numbers put up by Dollard, a Best Import candidate, the Barako Bull Energy continued their woes with their fourth loss in five games, taking ninth place in the 10-team tourney. The 6'4” Dollard was relentless in offense, scoring 30 of his 46 points in the second half, allowing the Energy to climb from a 14-point third quarter deficit. The Beermen were still up by seven points, 81-74, when Dollard scored all of his team's points in a 10-3 run to tie the game at 84-all. Mick Pennisi then drilled a three-pointer to give Barako Bull the lead, 87-84, for the first time. The Energy were still up, 93-92, when the Beermen unleashed a 9-2 blast that proved to be too much for Barako Bull. Games Sunday: Meralco vs. Air21 and Ginebra vs. Talk N Text.
