ADRIAN Nocum scored a go-ahead lay-up with 5.6 seconds left, and Rain or Shine nipped Magnolia, 98-97, on Friday for its third straight win in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup.
Nocum had a career-high 31 points, capping off the night with the game-winner to improve Rain or Shine’s record to 3-2.
Nocum also grabbed the final rebound of the game after KJ Buffen missed Magnolia’s last offensive play to pull off the tight win.
Nocum’s game-winner, a drive to the basket against a phalanx of Magnolia defenders, was made after Ian Sangalang looked headed to give the Hotshots the win by converting a three-point play with 24.5 seconds left.
Instead, Magnolia dropped to 1-3.
“Maganda ‘yung laban. Magandang experience sa mga bata na natututo silang manalo sa mahigpitang laban. Sa amin, napakahalaga nung experience na ‘yun, natututo sila,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said.
Rain or Shine was actually down, 94-89, with 4:23 left in the game, until it scored six unanswered points. During that stretch, Nocum also scored a putback to make it a 95-94 game, and Jhonard Clarito split his trip from the line with 44.9 seconds.
Deo Cuajao had 15 points on 3-of-4 shooting from threes, and Aaron Fuller had 14 points and 12 rebounds for Rain or Shine. Luis Villegas had 12 points, seven rebounds, and three steals for the Elasto Painters.
Buffen had 31 points and 17 rebounds, but Magnolia lost ahead of its Sunday game against rival Barangay Ginebra.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 98 – Nocum 31, Cuajao 15, Fuller 14, Villegas 12, Manaytay 6, Tiongson 6, Clarito 5, Caracut 5, David 3, Asistio 1, Malonzo 0.
Magnolia 97 – Buffen 31, Lucero 15, Sangalang 14, Lee 13, Barroca 11, Lastimosa 9, Jopia 4, Dela Rosa 0, Alfaro 0, Verano 0, Andrada 0, Gomez de Liano 0.
Quarters: 20-29; 56-56; 81-81; 98-97.
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