IT was a heartbreaker of a loss for Rain or Shine in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, but Adrian Nocum is taking a positive mindset moving forward.
“Hindi pa naman tapos (ang series). Bawi na lang. Bounce back,” said the sophomore wingman, as the Elasto Painters absorbed a painful overtime loss against TNT, 113-105, Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“May pag asa pa.”
READ: Oftana scores 39 as TNT frustrates Rain or Shine yet again in OT
Nocum led RoS with 27 points, including 20 in the second half when they battled their way back from a 14-point deficit.
But his two missed free throws with less than three minutes left in regulation contributed to the Elasto Painters' 20-of-34 shooting from the foul line.
“Sa akin yun. Pangdiin din yun,” he said of those costly foul shots which he botched and could have stretched their slim 95-94 lead.
Both missed free throws came short, as the former Mapua Cardinal shot 50 percent from the 15-foot line.
“Hindi ko rin naramdaman, e. Akala ko pasok na,” said Nocum. “Ini-adjust ko na nga e. Practice ulit.”
Close but not quite for Rain or Shine
Nocum actually had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation, but his one-handed tip-in off Rain or Shine’s final play came a split of a second short, paving the way for the extra period.
“Baka hindi talaga para sa amin,” he said. “Kasi ang daming pagkakataon e. Ganun talaga, nangyayari. Baka may dahilan ito.”
Nocum added seven rebounds and three assists, while finishing 11-of-29 from the floor in the second game of the seven-game series which the Tropang 5G now lead, 2-0.
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