Rain or Shine didn’t just survive a nightmare first half. The Elasto Painters erased a 21-point deficit to stun Converge, 124-120, in the opener of their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

A 42-point third quarter turned the game around and gave Rain or Shine a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series. Coach Yeng Guiao credited his team’s playoff toughness for the comeback.

Third-Quarter Surge Fuels Comeback

Rain or Shine trailed 27-48 in the second period and 55-68 at halftime. Then rookie Deo Cuajao, Caelan Tiongson and import Aaron Fuller led a third quarter in which the Elasto Painters outscored Converge by 14 and took a 97-96 lead.

Cuajao scored 13 of his 15 points in the third, while Fuller added 11 and Tiongson 10. Fuller finished with 33 points and 14 rebounds, Adrian Nocum had 26, and Tiongson ended with 17.

It was Rain or Shine’s biggest comeback since it overcame a 26-point deficit to beat Meralco, 102-98, in overtime in the 2012-13 Philippine Cup. The win also gives the Elasto Painters early control of the series.

Guiao Cites Playoff Toughness

Guiao said the “playoff toughness” of his players made the difference. His team gave up too many offensive rebounds, missed free throws and committed 13 turnovers in the first half, which handed Converge 27 extra possessions.

Converge import Cameron Clark looked unstoppable early, scoring 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting in the first half. Tiongson and Jhonard Clarito then anchored the defense, and with help coming from several directions, Clark managed only 10 points the rest of the way.

Justin Arana scored 21 points to lead five other Converge locals in double figures. The team now turns its attention to Game 2 on Friday, when it will try to even the series.