By REYNALD MAGALLON
Adrian Nocum finished what Anton Asistio had started as Rain or Shine returned to its winning ways after squeezing past NLEX in overtime, 123-114, in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Asistio exploded for a season-best showing, leading the attack for the Elasto Painters for most of the regulation before Nocum had timely hits in the extension to outlast the Road Warriors and virtually punch their ticket to the playoffs.
ROS improved to a 6-2 record that kept itself in the hunt for the top seed with San Miguel which also holds the same slate.
Asistio fired a season-high 25 points – 14 of which he poured in the opening frame, setting the tone for the high tempo play by the Elasto Painters.
Although the Road Warriors managed to keep in step, even unloading a 17-3 run to erase a 12-point fourth quarter lead by Elasto Painters and force the overtime, keeping with the ROS’ pace took toll in the overtime period when NLEX simply ran out of gas in the waning moments.
Nocum took over in the overtime, dropping seven of his 11 points to restore order for Rain or Shine and seal the victory.
Import Aaron Fuller also saved crucial possessions down the stretch with his offensive rebound to finish with his usual numbers of 23 points and 25 rebounds. Jhonard Clarito had 15 points while rookies Felix Pangilinan-Lemetti and Caelan Tiongson added 14 and 11, respectively.
The balanced attack for Rain or Shine helped them survive a monster debut from NLEX new import DeQuan Jones who erupted for 49 points and 11 rebounds.
Fighting through cramps down the stretch, Robert Bolick flirted with a triple-double of 28 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists – all of which went down the drain as NLEX fell to its fourth-straight loss for a 3-5 slate.
The Road Warriors actually looked on their way to snapping their slide when they overhauled a 105-93 deficit and took a 110-108 lead after a Bolick layup.
Rain or Shine had put back to tie the game at 110-all with 19 seconds left before the Elasto Painters held on a tough defensive stand to force Bolick to a tough fadeaway to end the regulation.
It was Rain or Shine from there with Nocum simply having his way, Fuller making impact plays on the boards and Asistio sealing the game by taking care of his three crucial free throws.
