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    Rain or Shine dodges bullet as Kiefer-led NLEX rally falls short

    Timely Nambatac, Belga baskets help ROS survive an NLEX fightback
    Jul 16, 2021
    Rey Nambatac over Kevin Alas

    RAIN or Shine dodged a big bullet on Friday, holding strong in the endgame to hold off Kiefer Ravena and NLEX, 83-82, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

    Rey Nambatac and Beau Belga spearheaded the Elastopainters’ attack to give head coach Chris Gavina his first win as coach of the ballclub.

    The win, however, nearly escaped Rain or Shine's grasp as a Ravena three-pointer from near the halfcourt logo, 83-82, and a turnover he forced on Gabe Norwood gave NLEX a shot at the go-ahead basket.

    But the Road Warriors couldn't cash in as Anthony Semerad missed an ill-judged, double-pump perimeter jumper as time expired.

    Kiefer Ravena in action for NLEX against Rain or Shine.

    “We are really glad that our guys were resolute enough to trust our system, trust one another, and come out with a big first win for this conference,” said Gavina, who took over the reins from Caloy Garcia.

    Nambatac scored 19 points, including the clutch jumper that extended Rain or Shine's lead to 81-79. He also had eight rebounds.

    Belga followed with a hook shot to make it a 83-79 advantage.

    Kiefer's big game goes for naught

    In his first PBA game since news broke that he will be playing for the Shiga Lakestars in the Japan B.League, Ravena played an impressive all-around game, pouring in a team-high 23 points to go with four rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

    His last steal of the game though went for naught as NLEX couldn’t execute efficiently in the dying seconds.

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      The scores:

      Rain or Shine 83 – Nambatac 19, Belga 17, Mocon 12, Ponferada 10, Norwood 8, Asistio 6, Torres 5, Santillan 4, Borboran 2, Wong 0, Caracut 0.

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      NLEX 82 – Ravena 23, Alas 13, Trollano 11, Cruz 10, Soyud 6, Semerad 6, Quinahan 5, Miranda 5, Porter 2, Oftana 1, Paniamogan 0.

      Quarters: 26-26; 38-43; 69-63; 83-82.

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