MANILA — The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters survived a 44-point career-high shooting by Jayson Castro and razed a 17-point deficit to stun the Talk N Text Tropang Texters, 116-108, Friday night, thus leveling their best-of-seven PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals at 1-all. Relying on its deeper bench, Rain or Shine (ROS) had five players in double digits to neutralize the exceptionally fiery performance of Castro. Import Wayne Chism led the Painters with 30 points and 13 rebounds. Paul Lee also played brilliantly, churning out 20 points, including three triples. Jeff Chan added 17 markers, Gabe Norwood chipped in with 14 points while Jireh Ibanes had 12. ROS started the game with a 7-0 run, but TNT came charging back as Castro began warming up, scoring 13 of his team's 26 points in the first quarter, including a trio of three-pointers. Castro remained sizzling hot in the second quarter as he combined with import Ivan Johnson, Ranidel de Ocampo and Larry Fonacier for a massive 18-0 blast, catapulting TNT to a 17-point lead, 58-41. Rain or Shine managed to trim the deficit to 13, 62-49, at halftime. The Painters changed the complexion of the game at the start of the second half as they went on a 22-5 tear to storm back into the lead. Chism was especially hot during that spread, scoring 13 points in the third quarter alone. The Texters managed to stay close, down by just a whisker, 84-85, at the start of the fourth quarter. But then ROS opened the final period with a 9-0 blast to once again dictate the tempo of the game. TNT managed to cut the deficit to three, 100-103, with 5:05 left. But the Painters wouldn't be denied the victory as they closed the game with 7-0 run to finish off the Texters. Ivan was the second top scorer for TNT with 20 points on top of 12 rebounds. Ranidel de Ocampo finished with 15 points and six boards while Matt Ganuelas-Rosser chipped in with 10 markers. Johnson fined The PBA Thursday meted a fine of $3,410 on Talk N Text's Johnson for his “intentional” bump on Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao during Game 1 of their best-of-seven PBA Commissioner's Cup finals. Johnson ran into Guiao who stumbled in front of the Rain or Shine bench. As a result, Johnson was slapped with a technical foul. “The contact was clearly unprovoked and avoidable. Upon repeated review, we find no merit in Johnson's assertion that it was accidental and not intentional,” the PBA said in a statement. Guiao said Johnson's bump showed the TNT import's “lack of breeding and respect,” adding that he didn't do anything to provoke the former NBA player. Asian imports arrive At least three teams have already signed their respective Asian imports for the upcoming Governors' Cup. Talk N Text hired Jordanian veteran guard Osama Daghles; Barangay Ginebra has signed Mongolia's Sanchir Tungalag; and Blackwater will have Jordanian Immad Qahwash. Rain or Shine, Alaska, Purefoods and Barako Bull do not intend to get an Asian import to complement their regular imports. For their regular imports, Kia will once again parade 7'3” Puerto Rican Peter John Ramos; Blackwater will continue to have Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player Marcus Douthit; defending champion Purefoods has signed Marqus Blakely; San Miguel Beer will have Arizona Reid once again; TNT will have Steffphon Pettigrew; Meralco will be backed up by Andre Emmett; Alaska will have Romeo Travis; Rain or Shine will be beefed up by Wendell McKines while Barangay Ginebra has signed in Zach Graham. Game Sunday: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Talk N Text Tropang Texters (Game 3 of best-of-7 Finals; Series tied at 1-1).
