ADRIAN Nocum took charge in overtime for Rain or Shine to beat NLEX, 123-114, on Tuesday to regain its winning ways in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Nocum scored six points in an 11-2 finish to the game for the Elasto Painters on their way to the win and tie San Miguel at first place in Group B with a 6-2 win-loss slate ahead of their rematch on Thursday.
Anton Asistio capped off that critical run with three free throws to finish with 25 points, while Aaron Fuller also played a huge game with 23 points and 25 rebounds for Rain or Shine, which bounced back from its 22-point defeat over Barangay Ginebra last Friday.
READ: Brownlee makes sure Ginebra avenges earlier loss to Rain or Shine
The Elasto Painters also clinched the quarterfinals with the overtime victory.
Rain or Shine also spoiled the debut of NLEX import DeQuan Jones, who had 49 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 17-of-31 from the field, three of which from four.
“Good test for us. This is a good experience. We need to learn how to win close games,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “Hindi ko alam how we survived ‘yung import nila who played a monster game. Medyo napagod lang siguro nung bandang huli.”
Rain or Shine won after leading by 12, 105-93, in five minutes left in the fourth only for NLEX to come back and even lead, 110-108, with 1:35 left on a basket by Robert Bolick, who had 11 of his 28 points in the final period.
Jhonard Clarito had 15 points including a reverse lay-up off a miss with 19.1 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime, 110-110.
“Si Berto was also a headache for us. We just tried to hang in there. Dikit lang tayo sa ganda ng nilalaro ng import tapos may support pa sa local. Maybe at some point, they will tire out, maybe they’ll miss some shots. That’s going to be an opportunity to get our own run which actually happened,” Guiao said.
Felix Lemetti added 13 points, while Caelan Tiongson and Nocom had 11 each for the Elasto Painters.
Asistio already had 14 in the first quarter to lead the early attack of Rain or Shine.
“Siguro for me, I just have to stay aggressive. Si Coach Yeng naman is known to give all his players opportunities. And sinasabi niya ‘yun sa amin the moment he stepped in Rain or Shine. Ako lang, ready lang ako when my number is called,” said Guiao.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 123 – Asistio 25, Fuller 23, Clarito 15, Lemetti 14, Nocum 11, Tiongson 11, Datu 7, Santillan 7, Mamuyac 5, Ildefonso 3, Belga 2, Caracut 0.
NLEX 114 – Jones 49, Bolick 28, Herndon 9, Mocon 9, Valdez 8, Miranda 6, Amer 3, Marcelo 2, Semerad 0, Rodger 0, Fajardo 0.
Quarters: 34-33; 56-61; 89-83; 110-110; 123-114.
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