Belga big in clutch as Rain or Shine trips Ginebra in OT

Beau Belga came up big for Rain or Shine as they escaped Barangay Ginebra, 85-82, in overtime in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Tuesday, October 27.

Belga dropped a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds on top of 4 assists, but it was his crucial baskets in the extra period that propelled the Elasto Painters to their fourth victory in the bubble.

“We just wanted to bounce back coming from a loss in our last game against Alaska,” said Belga in Filipino. “I just wanted to bounce back personally. I took it as a challenge.”

“Puso ko na lang ang nagpapatakbo sa akin. Yung willingness na manalo in today’s game. Good thing na nakuha namin yung panalo,” added Belga.

(The only thing that kept me running was my heart. My willingness to win in today’s game. Good thing we were able to come out with the victory.)

With Rain or Shine down by just 3, 73-76, with 6 seconds left in regulation, Rey Nambatac – who was struggling all game long – hit a booming three-pointer which sent the game to overtime, 76-76. 

Still tied at 78-all in the extra period, Belga took over and went on a personal 5-0 run to put the Elasto Painters ahead, 83-78 with 1:29 left to play. 

Ginebra star Stanley Pringle answered with a layup to cut the lead back to a single possession, 83-80. 

However, Jewel Ponferada sank a layup on the other end with 5 seconds left as the Elasto Painters pulled away from the Gin Kings for good.

Mark Borboran added 16 points, while James Yap and Javee Mocon had 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Elasto Painters, who improved their record to 4-1. 

Scottie Thompson finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists, while Pringle tallied 20 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the Gin Kings, who lost their second straight game after an impressive 4-0 start in the conference. 

The Scores:

Rain or Shine 85 – Belga 20, Borboran 16, Yap 13, Mocon 12, Rosales 8, Nambatac 8, Onwubere 3, Ponferada 2, Wong 0, Torres 0.

Ginebra 82 – Thompson 21, Pringle 20, Aguilar 13, Tenorio 10, Devance 6, Caperal 5, Mariano 3, Dillinger 2, Chan 2, Tolentino 0.

Quarters: 24-15, 45-36, 61-57, 76-76, 85-82 (OT).

– Martin Mendoza/Rappler.com