Hot or cold, Rey Nambatac cannot be counted out during crunch time.

Nambatac saved the day for Rain or Shine anew as he hit the game-winning bucket in their 95-93 victory over San Miguel in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, September 12.

Although it was a relatively quiet game for Nambatac, who had just 7 points prior to his clutch shot, Rain or Shine head coach Chris Gavina had no hesitations handing the fate of the team to the feisty guard.

“I always talk to Rey being ready to be our closer, and mindset-wise, I could tell he wanted to play,” Gavina said.

Nambatac watched his team from the bench for the majority of the fourth quarter until Gavina fielded him back in with 12 seconds left as a substitution for rookie Anton Asistio.

Prior to the replacement, Asistio committed a costly turnover that paved the way for San Miguel star CJ Perez to knot the score at 93-93.

That decision paid dividends as Nambatac attacked the basket and banked in a left-handed floater over three defenders for the go-ahead shot with 2.5 ticks remaining.

In the ensuing possession, Santi Santillan and Gabe Norwood pestered San Miguel ace Terrence Romeo, who had to pass up the potential game-tying three-pointer as time expired.

“I have no fear of getting the ball to Rey’s hands and knowing that he’ll come up with something that’s going to come out with a positive effect,” Gavina said.

“[T]hat’s exactly what happened in that play.”

Rain or Shine inched closer to a playoff berth as it improved to 6-4 with one game to play in the elimination round. – Rappler.com