Photo: PBA Images

By Art Ramirez

Rain or Shine took first blood of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 50 Commissioner's Cup semifinals after a thrilling 115-111 win over Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.

Jaylen Johnson scored 40 points and made a huge four-point shot that allowed Rain or Shine to come back from a 107-102 deficit to claim Game 1 of the best-of-seven semifinal series.

Jhonard Clarito also had 25 points including a three that put Rain or Shine up, 111-107. Clarito also sank two free throws to settle the final score.

Rain or Shine will try to book a 2-0 lead in the semifinals on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Justin Brownlee had 32 points, and RJ Abarrientos had 21 points including a three with 2:20 left that got Barangay Ginebra up, 107-102. But the Gin Kings only scored a field goal afterwards to the disappointment of most of the 10,412 fans at the Ynares Center.

Johnson scored a four and Adrian Nocum made two free throws to give ROS a 108-107 lead, and never looked back.