The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters have won back-to-back after getting pummeled in Game 1. Can they close it out Tuesday, or will the Magnolia Hotshots force a do-or-die? 

Catch the game this Tuesday, October 1st, at 5:00 PM.

Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots (2-1)

Projected starting five:

• Paul Lee 
• Joseph Eriobu
• Jabari Bird
• Rome Dela Rosa
• Zavier Lucero

The all-important Game 3 belonged to Rain or Shine, 111-106. The Hotshots just couldn’t buy a basket, making just 39.2% of their shots, including a woeful 6-of-31 from three. 

Jabari Bird had a good double-double of 31 points and 10 rebounds (5 off), while Big man Zavier Lucero showed off yet again with 24 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. The problem is, the rest of the team stunk. Paul Lee, for one, was 2-of-9 for only six points, and missed all of his six attempts from downtown. Mark Barroca posted the same points, but he was much worse from the floor, missing 10 of his 12 shots. Calvin Abueva was active for once, grabbing 15 boards, sadly he also shot inefficiently, going just 4-of-12.

With all that, we better see a Magnolia team that’s filled with urgency as it faces elimination. Bird and Lucero will be there, it’s the production of Lee, Barroca, and Jerick Ahanmisi that will push this into another game.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (2-1)

Projected starting five:

• Anton Asistio
• Caelan Tiongson
• Adrian Nocum
• Aaron Fuller
• Santi Santillan

Much like Game 2, Rain or Shine flexed some good, all-around ball in Game 3, hence the W. Six Elasto Painters scored in double figures, and the team collectively dished out 26 assists.

As per usual, ROS was powered by the might of Aaron Fuller, who had 29 points, 11 boards, and six dimes on 9-of-13 shooting, which was in spite of an eye injury.

Jhonard Clarito had a rough day in his shots (6/17), but his 18 points was second, and he paired it with eight rebounds and two steals. Santi Santillan, on the other hand, had a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Gian Mamuyac and Andrei Caracut rounded out the key contributors by scoring 15 apiece.

Reliable newbies Caelan Tiongson and Felix Lemetti took a step back for vets as they played just 20 and three minutes, respectively. They’ll see some minutes again soon enough.

PICKS:

Spread: Magnolia (-3.5)

Over/Under: Over (210)