PBA Semis: Casio and Lassiter's End-Game Heroics gave Powerade 3-2 Advantage

Marcio Lassiter played big during clutch time

          The Tigers overcame a six-point deficit with 1:44 left in the game, and the ballclub’s version of the Big Three combined forces in the team’s explosive finish in a thrilling 110-108 victory over Rain or Shine for a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven semifinals series Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum. 

         Gary David failed to reach the 30-point mark this time. For sure, the man also known as ‘Mr. Pure Energy’ didn’t mind. What mattered more was that his franchise is on the threshold of completing a Cinderella finish. David hit a three-point shot, JVee Casio completed a three-point play and added a free throw, and Marcio Lassiter knocked in three free throws in the last 15.8 seconds as Powerade erased a 106-100 deficit. “This is the time for him to shine,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol of Casio. “But the series is not yet over. What just happened was we put ourselves closer to making the Finals. That game is too far if we’re not going to play defensively.” Lassiter’s split free throws with 10.2 seconds remaining placed the Tigers on top at 110-108, and the Elasto Painters – for all the chances they were presented – failed to convert to send the game into overtime. First, Lassiter blocked a shot by Larry Rodriguez underneath the basket. And then, Jeff Chan missed a three-point shot at the right corner and Beau Belga muffed on a short jumper as time expired.

JV Casio contributed on his 3pt-play to overcome the 6-pts deficit late in the game

       The Tigers gathered around midcourt to celebrate the victory, something that was far from becoming a reality when the Elasto Painters wiped out a 96-92 deficit with a 14-4 blast to make it a six-point ball game. David, however, hit a three-pointer before Gabe Norwood drove strong to the basket to make it a 108-103 count. Casio then had split before Paul Lee, who came in to replace the well-performing TY Tang with 2:23 left in the contest, missed a jumper. Casio then came through with his heroics, drawing a foul from JR Quinahan as he connected on a long two and completed the three-point play to make it a one-point ball game. Quinahan then missed an open three-point shot and Lassiter scooted home and got the foul. He made both charities. Ronjay Buenafe then forced a shot under the basket, and Lee was forced to foul Lassiter, who then split his charities. David, who scored at least 30 points in his last six games dating back to the quarterfinals, finished with 28. Casio added 25 and Lassiter contributed 19 with 11 rebounds. Doug Kramer had 10 points and 10 boards for Powerade, which can wrap up the series with another victory Sunday. Quinahan had 18 points for Rain or Shine, which in Game Three likewise lost what looked like a safe lead in regulation before losing to the Tigers in overtime, 104-99.

Two of Rain Or Shine's top scorer produces dismal output

         Powerade has never come this close. Not for a very long time. That is why expect the Tigers to go all-out against Rain or Shine Sunday as they try to end a long wait and make the Finals of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. By winning Game 5 via a thrilling 110-108 count, Powerade took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal duel and moved on the threshold of making its first championship series since – as Coca-Cola – it bolted from the San Miguel Corp. group in 2004. (source: PBA.PH)

The scores: 

Powerade (110) - David 28, Casio 25, Lassiter 19, Kramer 10, Cruz 9, Anthony 6, Crisano 5, Vanlandingham 3, Antonio 3, Adducul 2, Lingganay 0. 

Rain or Shine (108) - Quinahan 18, Arana 15, Ibanes 13, Rodriguez 12, Lee 9, Tang 9, Buenafe 9, Norwood 7, Chan 6, Matias 5, Cruz 3, Belga 2. 

Quarterscores: 23-22, 48-54, 81-80, 110-108.