Rain or Shine improves to 4-0, keeps Phoenix winless
Adrian Nocum emerged from the bench as the much-needed catalyst for Rain or Shine, propelling them to a convincing 116-99 victory over the gritty Phoenix Super LPG on Friday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Aaron Fuller delivered an impressive performance, racking up 28 points and securing 22 rebounds. However, it was Nocum’s explosive second quarter that turned the tide; he scored 19 of his 21 points during this pivotal period, helping the Elasto Painters overcome a sluggish start and enter halftime tied at 55.
With contributions from Jhonard Clarito, Andrei Caracut, Gian Mamuyac, and Caelan Tiongson, Rain or Shine maintained their momentum, extending their lead to as much as 116-96 before cruising to a flawless 4-0 record in Group B.
The match was not without its moments of anxiety for Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, as Phoenix managed to establish two separate 12-point leads despite playing without an import. Le’bryan Nash, who arrived on Thursday to replace Jay McKinnis, was deemed 3/8 of an inch too tall to fit the 6-6 import height limit, leaving the Fuel Masters to compete without a reinforcement until a new player could be arranged.
Nevertheless, Ricci Rivero and RJ Jazul stepped up admirably, ensuring that the absence of an import did not hinder Phoenix’s early surge, as they raced to a 25-13 advantage.
Fortunately for Rain or Shine, Nocum’s stellar shooting performance—he went 8-of-9 from the field—was a game-changer. His scoring output marked the highest by any player since NLEX’s Robert Bolick recorded 20 points during the Philippine Cup quarterfinals last May.
Nocum continued to play a pivotal role for Rain or Shine even after Phoenix leveled the game at 76-all. He found Mamuyac in the corner for a crucial go-ahead three-pointer and then delivered another assist to Fuller, which helped the Elasto Painters take an 84-76 lead heading into the final quarter.
Phoenix managed to come no closer than nine points for the remainder of the game, ultimately falling to a disappointing 0-3 record.
Jazul and Jayjay Alejandro led the Fuel Masters with 12 points each as they look to regroup in their upcoming matchup against Blackwater on Tuesday.
The scores:
Rain or Shine 116 – Fuller 28, Nocum 21, Clarito 15, Caracut 13, Mamuyac 9, Tiongson 8, Santillan 6, Datu 6, Belga 5, Ildefonso 4, Asistio 1, Lemetti 0, Villegas 0.
Phoenix 99 – Jazul 12, Alejandro 12, Ballungay 11, Rivero 10, Muyang 9, Tio 8, Salado 8, Perkins 8, Verano 7, Tuffin 5, Mocon 5, Daves 4, Garcia 0, Soyud 0, Manganti 0.
Quarterscores: 19-29, 55-55, 84-76, 116-99.
