REY Nambatac played the hero’s role again for Rain or Shine, completing the decisive three-point play in the 90-88 win over Phoenix Super LPG on Thursday in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Nambatac scored 17 points in a performance he capped with the go-ahead three-point play, drawing a foul from Chris Banchero before converting a tough jumper with 22.2 seconds left to give the Elastopainters an 89-88 lead.
Nambatac also deflected the ball away from Banchero in the ensuing play, leading to a split from the free-throw line by Mark Borboran that made in a three-point lead for the Elastopainters.

Chris Banchero missed a turnaround jumper while Sean Manganti also failed to convert a putback in Phoenix’s final possession as the Elastopainters returned to their winning ways to improve to 2-1 (win-loss).
The Fuel Masters tasted their first defeat in three games.
Rain or Shine fell behind, 86-77, with eight minutes left in the game. It also started slow as Phoenix raced to a 19-6 lead in the first period.
“We are glad that we were able to get through those first-half jitters and really come out with a great win today,” said Rain or Shine coach Chris Gavina.
Beau Belga also delivered for Rain or Shine with 16 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Nambatac scored eight in the third as he picked up the slack for Rain or Shine after import Henry Walker got into foul trouble.
Walker had 15 points including back-to-back baskets to start out a mini-run that kept the team in the game. Belga sank a three-pointer to cut the deficit to two, 88-86, with 2:36 left before Nambatac’s late heroics.
Gavina also paid tribute to the shock troopers led by Santi Santillan, who scored 13 off the bench.
Paul Harris had 17 points and 20 rebounds while Banchero added 14 points including the basket that brought the lead to 86-77, but Phoenix scored just a field goal after that.
Phoenix's loss enabled NLEX to be aone in the solo lead at 3-0.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 90 – Nambatac 17, Belga 16, Walker 15, Santillan 13, Borboran 8, Wong 6, Mocon 6, Caracut 4, Norwood 3, Ponferada 2, Jackson 0, Torres 0.
Phoenix Super LPG 88 – Harris 17, Banchero 14, Manganti 11, Wright 10, Perkins 8, Melecio 8, Jazul 8, Rios 6, Garcia 4, Camacho 2, Muyang 0, Chua 0.
Quarters: 16-23; 44-50; 71-71; 90-88.
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