The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters weathered a late storm by the NLEX Road Warriors to escape with an 83-82 win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig on Friday, July 16.
Rey Nambatac led the gutsy win with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while veteran big man Beau Belga tallied an all-around line of 17 markers, 7 boards, and 5 assists.
After a game-long physical slugfest, the contest ultimately came down to the wire as Nambatac drilled a clutch jumper for the four-point lead, 81-77, with just 2:37 left.
Rain or Shine then made multiple key stops down the stretch as Belga kept a two-possession gap, 83-79, off a short hook with 56 ticks left. However, the returning Kiefer Ravena quickly replied with a desperation triple at the 19-second mark to get within one, 82-83.
NLEX actually managed to trap without fouling in the Painters’ final possession and forced a steal, but Anthony Semerad’s well-contested jumper off a late Ravena kickout pass clanked off the rim as Rain or Shine held on for the win.
“NLEX really fought for every inch tonight. 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 opening conference,” said returning head coach Chris Gavina, who took over from Caloy Garcia in the offseason.
Ravena topscored in the heartbreaking loss with 23 points and 7 assists in his first game back since the controversial tug-of-war for his services between NLEX and the Japan B. League’s Shiga Lakestars.
Kevin Alas waxed hot early for 11 first-quarter points, but only managed a 13-point total in the end, while trade acquisition Don Trollano chipped in 11 markers off the bench for NLEX.
The Scores
Rain or Shine 83 – Nambatac 19, Belga 17, Mocon 12, Ponferrada 10, Norwood 8, Asistio 6, Torres 5, Santillan 4, Borboran 2, Guinto 0, Wong 0, Caracut 0.
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.
– Rappler.com
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