By REYNALD MAGALLON
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Rain or Shine failed to deliver in the end game and lost to the United Arab Emirates, 73-71, in the 2023 William Jones Cup at the Taipei Heping Gymnasium here on Monday, Aug. 14.
Hamid Abdulateef Albreiki proved to be the biggest thorn to the side of the Elasto Painters, unloading 15 of his 22 points in the final frame to extend the dry spell of the Filipinos through three games.
The Filipinos struggled to put the clamps down on Albreiki who scored UAE’s last six points in the final frame including the triple that put UAE ahead for good, 71-69.
Still, Rain or Shine had multiple chances to bag its first win but just couldn’t take full advantage.
With 24 seconds left, Santi Santillan had the chance to put the Elasto Painters back into the driver seat but UAE defense bothered him enough to miss the shot.
The Elasto Painters dodged two huge bullets when veteran big man Qais Alshabebi missed his two free throws that could have sealed the win for UAE with four ticks left.
However, the Filipinos failed to clear the rebound, allowing Albreiki to extend the lead to two, 71-73.
Gian Mamuyac had one last heave to try and steal the game but his three-point attempt was likewise foiled by UAE’s defense at the buzzer.
The scores:
UAE 73 — H. Albreiki 22, Alshabebi 11, Alzaabi 10, Mohammad 9, Thomas 7, Alameri 5, A. Albreiki 4, Alhasmi 2, Almaazmi 2, Ahmad 1, M. Albreiki 0, Alnuaimi 0, Mohammed 0.
UAE 73 — H. Albreiki 22, Alshabebi 12, Mohammad 9, Thomas 7, Alameri 5, A. Albreiki 4, Alhasmi 2, Almaazmi 2, Ahmad 1, M. Albreiki 0.
Quarters: 11-14; 33-35; 52-53, 73-71.
