Rain or Shine Elasto Painters came roaring back from a 14-point deficit to stun the defending champions Barangay Ginebra Kings, 101-95, Wednesday night in Game 1 of their best-of-seven semifinals series in the 2009 Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference. In the other semifinals' Game 1 played at the Araneta Coliseum, the San Miguel Beermen waxed hot all night long enroute to a 102-87 demolition of the Burger King Whoppers. Rob Wainwright and Jireh Ibanes starred for the Elasto Painters as both scored huge baskets in the final 1:36 of the game. Wainwright's three-pointer put Rain or Shine on top, 96-94. After the Kings' flubbed their offensive, Ibanes hit a clutch shot to stretch Rain or Shine's lead to 99-95 with 20 seconds left. “This is the real Rain or Shine team. We came here tonight to win,” declared Wainwright, who topscored with 20 points. With Wainwright shooting 4-of-8 from three-point range, the Painters clawed their way back after being downed by as many as 14 points. They tied the score at 83-all with still seven minutes left. Ginebra, however, struck back with a 10-2 run anchored on two triples by JayJay Helterbrand to put Ginebra on top by eight points, 93-85, midway in the final quarter. But the Painters reserved their best for last as they unleashed an 11-1 run capped by Wainwright's three-pointer. Rookie Gabe Norwood chipped in 16 points, including two free throws for the marginal baskets. Import Jai Lewis contributed 14 points and 16 rebounds. Ronald Tubid led Ginebra with 21 points while import David Noel chipped in 16 and Helterbrand 15. Earlier, import Gabe Freemen returned to the Beermen's lineup after missing two games to lead San Miguel with 22 points. The Beermen stayed sharp despite resting for three and a half weeks, being the first team to book a semifinals' seat. Arwind Santos and Gary David both had an off night, combining for just 12 points. Games 2 of the two semifinals are set on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome. __
