“It was a good game both teams don’t want to lose today,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, who celebrated his 42nd birthday. The Elasto Painters didn’t relinquish the lead after Taggart’s basket with 1:12 left that earned them a 99-95 lead. James White led Mahindra with 29 points and 21 rebounds plus two blocks but failed to lead his team to victory. Mahindra took a 27-22 cushion when Reden Celda hit a three-pointer in the early part of second quarter but Rain or Shine quickly erased the deficit as both teams exchanged lead throughout the second frame. Taggart’s dunk with 15 seconds left in the second period provided Rain or Shine a 45-43 lead at the half.

Source: Manila Times March 19, 2017 11:48 UTC