Purefoods’ Roger Yap goes up against Rain or Shine’s Mark Telan and Eddie Laure during Game 1 of their quarterfinal series in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum. The Giants prevailed, 90-85. (Photo by BOB DUNGO JR.)

Games Sunday (Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. — Talk ’N Text vs Ginebra
6:30 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Purefoods

Purefoods TJ, drawing an inspired game from James and Roger Yap, outlasted wildcard survivor Rain or Shine, 90-85, in Game 1 of their best-of-five quarterfinal series in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup playoffs Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Top gunner James Yap scored a personal conference-high 31 points, 20 of which came in the first half, while veteran playmaker Roger Yap came off the bench to contribute 17 points and was largely responsible in playing tough defense against Rain or Shine guard Sol Mercado.

James Yap converted 8-of-13 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point territory in a brilliant show of marksmanship. He also had six rebounds, three assists and a shot block in 40 minutes of play, the most for Purefoods.

The third seeded Giants, who had a week of rest after claiming an outright slot in the quarters, shoot for a 2-0 lead in their five-game series when they face the ninth seeded Elasto Painters in Game 2 tomorrow at the Big Dome.

The winner of the series will face No. 2 San Miguel Beer in a best-of-seven Final Four showdown.

“He was practically getting the same shots he’s been getting, but this time it’s falling. Nothing special, maybe his mind is clearer,” Purefoods mentor Ryan Gregorio said of Yap without elaborating. “He knows that he has to step up.”

Kerby Raymundo also had a solid game, finishing in double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He also had a key stop late in the game when he forced Mercado to an offensive foul.

Mercado, who averaged 27 points the past three games for Rain or Shine, was hounded by the Purefoods guards and finished 4-of-10 from the field.

Ryan Araña led the team in scoring with 19 points while Eddie Laure had 17.

The tough win did not surprise Gregorio, though.

“We really expected a tough Game 1, with momentum of Rain or Shine following two wins in the wildcard,” Gregorio said.

“But we got key steals, we got key stops, we made crucial free throws, enough to win the game. But it takes three wins to win the series. We expect Rain or Shine to play with their hearts out (in Game 2). We just have to be ready,” added Gregorio, whose team held opponents to 83.50 points through 18 games in the classification.

Purefoods, now 3-0 against Rain or Shine this conference, actually led by as many as 11 points twice in the third frame, the last was on Paul Artadi’s basket, 66-55, with 7:01 left in the quarter.

However, Rain or Shine, which beat Sta. Lucia (90-86) and Coca-Cola (99-84) to clinch the last quarterfinal slot, tied the score at 73-all entering the final period.

A three-pointer by Gabe Norwood put the Painters up, 76-73, with 11:28 to play.

The Giants then answered with a 12-2 run capped by back-to-back triples from the two Yaps – James and Roger – that gave them an 85-78 advantage with 4:06 left.

Rain or Shine fought back and a trey by Laure trimmed the deficit to 85-88, 2:08 remaining in the game. After trading missed shots, Roger Yap stole the leather from Mercado, who fouled the former by holding on to his jersey.

Yap reacted to what Mercado did and the two exchanged words.

The scores:
PUREFOODS 90 – Yap J. 31, Yap R. 17, Raymundo 12, Maierhofer 9, Pingris 6, Reavis 5, Artadi 4, Canaleta 2, Adducul 2, Allado 2, Timberlake 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 85 – Araña 19, Mercado 17, Laure 16, Norwood 12, Telan 9, Reyes 4, Chan 3, Hrabak 3, Ibañes 2, Cruz 0, Alfad 0, Arellano 0.
Quarters: 23-22, 51-48, 73-73, 90-85.