Rain or Shine wins its last four games to climb to second in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
Rain or Shine did not want to spoil the team’s scheduled Christmas dinner on Sunday night, Dec. 22.
That’s why the Elasto Painters delivered a furious finishing kick to finally ward off Terrafirma, 124-112, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“We’re having our Christmas dinner also so, mabuti na lang 'di nasira 'yung mood sa dinner namin. Kung hindi, hindi kami makakain nang husto,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao with a smile.
“Ang sarap pa naman ng inihanda ni boss.”
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Down 104-108 with still 7:50 left to play, the Elasto Painters staged a 13-0 uprising to escape from the clutches of their upset-hungry foes, 117-108.
Adrian Nocum then nailed the dagger of a triple at the 1:22 mark as Rain or Shine rolled to a fourth straight victory for a 4-1 record at second place behind pacesetting NorthPort (6-1).
Nocum earned the Player of the Game honors with his 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a big block on Terrafirma import Brandon Edwards in the fourth period.
Deon Thompson put up 23 points and 17 rebounds, Andrei Caracut scored 15 while Santi Santillan added 11 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.
“It’s good to win four straight games before Christmas, before the New Year,” Guiao said.
Adrian Nocum is the Player of the Game in Rain or Shine's triumph over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Sunday, Dec. 22. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Edwards finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block for the Dyip, who even led by 37-25 in the opening period but in the end still left the court winless in seven games.
Louie Sangalang had 21 points, eight boards, two assists and three blocks, while Brent Paraiso put in 28 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 124 – Thompson 23, Nocum 21, Caracut 15, Santillan 11, Aistio 10, Malonzo 8, Clarito 7, Datu 7, Lemetti 6, Tiongson 6, Escandor 5, Norwood 2, Ildefonso 2, Belga 1, Demusis 0.
TERRAFIRMA 112 – Edwards 26, Sangalang 21, Paraiso 16, Manuel 12, Hernandez 9, Melecio 7, Catapusan 7, Nonoy 7, Pringle 3, Olivario 2, Ramos 2, Ferrer 0.
Quarterscores: 28-37, 66-62, 98-65, 124-112