PBA: Adrian Nocum helps Rain or Shine check slow start, go 4-0 against Phoenix

Rain or Shine needed some time before getting its bearing going against Phoenix, 116-99, and race to its fourth straight victory in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Friday, Aug. 30.

Thanks in large part to Adrian Nocum’s second quarter explosion, the Elasto Painters bucked another sluggish start and eventually became the only undefeated team with its immaculate record atop Group B.

Nocum dropped 19 of his total output in the said period as Rain or Shine rose from 29-19 down at the end of the opening quarter.

The spitfire guard finished with 21 points, three blocks and two assists.

[ALSO READ: PBA: Rain or Shine rookie Felix Lemetti continues proving he deserves No. 8 overall pick]

The Fuel Masters, playing with an all-Filipino lineup, has yet to win three matches into the import-laced conference.

“We’re hoping we can stretch our win as much as we can. Ang hinahabol talaga namin anim na panalo. Kais tingin namin anim na panalo safe ka na, you’re in sa next round,” said Elasto Painers coach Yeng Guiao.

Nocum was not the only one who shone for Rain or Shine.

It was another day in the office for hardworking import Aaron Fuller, who tallied 28 points and 22 rebounds for the Elasto Painters.

Jhonard Clarito sustained his fine play and finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Andrei Caracut chipped in 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.

[ALSO READ: PBA: 'Michael Jhonard' Clarito's hard work, perseverance make him worthy of Most Improved Player citation, says Yeng Guiao]

Despite Nocum’s second quarter outburst, Rain or Shine managed to pull away only in the final minutes of the fourth canto.

Jayjay Alejandro came alive early in the final frame for Phoenix, nailing a triple to move his team within seven, 93-86, with still 8:50 left to play.

But Caracut responded right away with a booming four-pointer to pad the lead back to double digits, 97-86.

The Elasto Painters continued pouncing on the import-less Fuel Masters from there, leading by as many as 20 points, 116-96, on a Caelan Tiongson trey with 1:10 to go.

Alejandro and RJ Jazul led Phoenix with 12 points each, while rookie Kai Ballungay added 11 points and six rebounds.

The Scores:

RAIN OR SHINE 116 – Fuller 28, Nocum 21, Clarito 15, Caracut 13, Mamuyac 9, Tiongson 8, Santillan 6, Datu 6, Belga 5, Ildefonso 4, Asistio 1, Lemetti 0, Villegas 0.

PHOENIX 99 – Jazul 12, Alejandro 12, Ballungay 11, Rivero 10, Muyang 9, Tio 8, Salado 8, Perkins 8, Verano 7, Tuffin 5, Mocon 5, Daves 4, Garcia 0, Soyud 0, Manganti 0.