B-Meg Llamados fight on, force Game 6

MANILA — B-Meg Llmados earned a new lease on life by turning back Rain or Shine, 91-81, in Game Five of the best-of-seven championship series of the 37th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governor’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Two-time MVP James Yap waxed hot all night to lead the Llamados’ onslaught and cut down the Elasto Painters’ lead to 3-2 in the best-of-seven championship series.

The Llamados will again try to tie the long series on Friday and they are expected to take advantage of the momentum in winning just their second match over the Elasto Painters in the season-ending conference.

Ejection

The match also saw the ejection of Beau Belga for two technical fouls on import Marqus Blakely with 4:37 remaining in the third period. After the ejection of the 6’6” Belga, the Elasto Painters were never the same again, allowing Yap, Blakely and Jonas Villanueva to forge an 8-3 run and widen the gap to nine points, 61-70, going into the pivotal period.

The Escalante, Negros Occidental-born Yap and Yancy de Ocampo combined for eight points to post their biggest lead, 91-77, with only 1:40 to go. Yap finished with a conference high 30 points and two assists, while Blakely added 24 and 14 from Yancy de Ocampo.

Best Import awardee Jamelle Cornley led Rain or Shine with 25 points.

The Elasto Painters won Game 4 (94-89), Game 1 (91-80) and 3 (93-84), while B-Meg wrapped Game 2 (80-85) on July 25.