ImagRain or Shine's Adrian Nocum in action. PBA Images
MANILA (UPDATED) — Rain or Shine survived a Jaylen Johnson ejection, a 38-point explosion from Bol Bol, and needed to tear down an 18-point deficit to fend off TNT, 112-109, in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Adrian Nocum found the crucial shot that made it a three-point game late, defeating Bol as his defender, 112-109, which ultimately turned out to be the final score.
It was Rain or Shine's answer to a Calvin Oftana four-pointer, 30 seconds left in the game, that made the match a narrow 110-109 count. Before that, Johnson was ejected alongside Glenn Khobuntin, after trading punches 6:20 in the fourth quarter clock. The Elasto Painters went all-Filipino since then.
"Medyo unfortunate 'yung nangyari," said head coach Yeng Guiao during the postgame press conference, referring to the ejection of his import. "When it happened, parang imposible manalo, six minutes left to go."
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"When he [Bol Bol] takes a shot, nagdadasal ka lang na magmintis sana, eh kasi 'di mo naman masusupalpal" he added regarding the 7-foot-3 Bol and trying to stop his shots.
Thankfully for Rain or Shine, that's what happened when the South Sudanese-American basketball center missed the potential game-tying trey, prompting their side to commit a duty foul that sent Felix Lemetti to the line.
"Incredible toughness that the team showed, and our prayers just worked," added Guiao.
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Before getting sent to the locker room, Johnson already had 33 points and nine rebounds to go with three steals, while Nocum, who was named Player of the Game, finished with a huge double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Lemetti and Luis Villegas made their presence felt with 13 markers each.
On the other side, Bol's PBA debut was spoiled, but he still had a game-high of 38 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks, enforcing his way in the paint.
Jayson Castro also made his league return after missing action since around a year ago. The last time he played was in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Semifinals, also against Rain or Shine then.
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