Rain or Shine once again relied on the heroics of Rey Nambatac to beat Terrafirma, 91-82, and remain unbeaten in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Friday, October 16.

Nambatac, who hit a clutch three-pointer in their conference-opening win against San Miguel, supplied 19 points and hit big shots down the stretch as the Elasto Painters improved to 2-0.

The Dyip cut their deficit to 76-82 with 4 minutes remaining before Nambatac sank a timely triple to cap off a nine-point output in the final quarter and restore order for his side.

Gabe Norwood then scored back-to-back baskets in the last two minutes to completely put Terrafirma at bay.

Norwood finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, while Javee Mocon put up 14 points and 10 rebounds in the win after playing for more than 44 minutes.

Beau Belga chipped in 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks for Rain or Shine, which seized a share of the lead in the standings with TNT, Barangay Ginebra, and Phoenix.

The Elasto Painters also got contributions from Sidney Onwubere, who had 8 points and 4 rebounds, and Kris Rosales, who added 6 points.

CJ Perez did most of the heavy lifting for the Dyip with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks, but Terrafirma failed to get over the hump as it crashed to a 0-2 record.

Juami Tiongson chimed in 15 points, Glenn Khobuntin had 12 points, while top rookie Roosevelt Adams delivered 10 points in the loss.

The Scores

Rain or Shine 91 – Nambatac 19, Mocon 14, Belga 14, Onwubere 8, Rosales 6, Norwood 4, Yap 4, Torres 4, Ponferrada 3, Wong 3, Borboran 2, Tolentino 0.

Terra Firma 82 – Perez 26, Tiongson 15, Khobuntin 12, Adams 10, Cahilig 7, Ramos 6, Camson 5, Celda 1, McCarthy 0, Faundo 0, Calvo 0, Gabayni 0, Agovida 0, Balagasay 0.

Quarters : 19-16 , 44-34 , 66-58 , 91-82.

– Rappler.com