(PBA images)
Rain or Shine showed grit, poise, and just enough late-game shot-making to outlast TNT, 112-109, in a fiery PBA Commissioner’s Cup clash on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, ruining the much-anticipated debut of import Bol Bol.
Adrian Nocum rose to the occasion when it mattered most, drilling a clutch semi-hook over the towering 7-foot-3 Bol to put the Elasto Painters ahead for good in the closing seconds. The play capped a standout all-around effort from Nocum, who finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds in a performance that helped Rain or Shine secure its second hard-fought win in as many games.
Bol had one final chance to steal the game for TNT, but the former NBA player misfired on a potential game-winning triple at the buzzer, allowing Rain or Shine to escape with another statement victory after opening the conference with a win over Macau last Saturday.
Felix Lemetti was fouled by Jayson Castro on the rebound with no time left, and although he missed both free throws — the second intentionally — the damage had already been done as the Elasto Painters walked away with the result.
What made the victory even more impressive was that Rain or Shine had to finish the final 6:20 without import Jaylen Johnson, who was tossed out along with TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin after the two got involved in a heated altercation.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao lamented the physicality that built up before the confrontation.
“Medyo unfortunate ‘yung nangyari. I think the referees just lost control of the game that time. They were allowing too much contact,” said Guiao.
Even after Johnson’s exit, Guiao admitted he thought the odds had shifted heavily in TNT’s favor, especially with Bol looming as a near-impossible matchup on both ends.
“But when it happened I knew parang imposible nang manalo. There’s really no way or matchup you can do against Bol Bol. When he takes a shot, nagdadasal ka lang na sana magmintis, e. Kasi hindi mo naman masusupalpal, wala ka namang magagawa,” he added.
“So incredible toughness that the team showed.”
Despite the loss, Bol turned in a spectacular debut for TNT, finishing with 38 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks even while battling foul trouble. He was in the thick of the action all game, including an early confrontation with Caelan Tiongson, and later absorbed an accidental elbow from Luis Villegas that left him with a busted left cheek in the final 1:54.
Still, Bol’s huge numbers were not enough to lift the Tropang 5G, even with support from Calvin Oftana and the returning Jayson Castro.
Johnson still ended with 33 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals before his ejection, anchoring Rain or Shine’s attack. Lemetti and Villegas added 13 points apiece, while Gian Mamuyac chipped in nine points and seven rebounds. Jhonard Clarito also made his presence felt on the glass with 11 rebounds.
TNT looked headed for control early after racing to a commanding 47-29 lead in the second quarter, but Rain or Shine steadily clawed its way back and eventually forced an 80-all deadlock entering the fourth.
The finish was tense until the final seconds. Oftana’s four-point play pulled TNT within 109-110 with 30 seconds left, setting the stage for Nocum’s game-saving heroics. After getting repeatedly denied by Bol on earlier drives, Nocum finally found a way.
“Sinusubukan ko talagang, ano, tina-challenge ko siya kaya lang sobrang laki, ilang beses akong nabutata,” Nocum said.
“’Yung last tinaasan ko na lang tira ko, e.”
That adjustment proved to be the difference, as Rain or Shine completed another gutsy win and handed TNT a painful loss in a game that had no shortage of drama, tension, and headline-worthy moments.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 112 – Johnson 33, Nocum 20, Lemetti 13, Villegas 13, Mamuyac 9, Tiongson 7, Clarito 5, Malonzo 4, Caracut 4, Belga 2, Santillan 0, Asistio 0, Manaytay 0.
TNT 109 – Bol 38, Oftana 19, Castro 13, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Galinato 8, Ferrer 8, Nambatac 7, Khobuntin 5, Aurin 2, Enciso 0, Chua 0, Heading 0.
Quarters: 25-34, 54-58, 80-80, 112-109.
