Espinas steps up as San Miguel registers fifth straight win at the expense of Rain or Shine

042217_ROS_SMB_Gabby Espinas_MOA_peter baltazar

Pasay City – The San Miguel Beermen remained unblemished in the 2017 PBA Commissioners’ Cup after defeating the defending champions Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, , at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With fouls plaguing June Mar Farjardo and Charles Rhodes, Gabby Espinas keeps San Miguel’s momentum in the the third quarter by scoring 1o of his 15 total points and was awarded the Player of the Game honors.

Espinas finished with a statistical line of 15 points, eight rebounds and two steals. On the other hand, Rhodes finished strong by scoring 14 of his 26 points in the final period to seal the victory.

Shawn Taggart provided the Elasto Painters with 24 points and ten boards but turned the ball over seven times on a 38% shooting night from the field.

The Beermen will have a chance to increase their winning streak on May 5, Friday when they engage with TNT KaTropa while Rain or Shine will be travelling to Batangas City to battle with the Star Hotshots on May 6, Saturday.

The Scores:

SMB 111 – Rhodes 26, Espinas 15, Cabagnot 14, Fajardo 14, Santos 13, Lassiter 12, Ross 10, De Ocampo 5, Heruela 2, Garcia 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 98 – Taggart 24, Ahanmisi 16, Chan 16, Yap 13, Cruz 11, Belga 8, Norwood 5, Ponferada 5, Tolomia 0, Tiu 0, Almazan 0, Washington 0.
Quarterscores: 26-23, 57-44, 82-68, 111-98.
Story by: Ernest Hernandez / Photo by: Peter Baltazar