MANILA, Philippines – Leading Rain or Shine to a historic 100-85 victory over Phoenix Super LPG on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Adrian Nocum demonstrated that he was on a mission.

In a 97-109 defeat to San Miguel Beer last Friday, Nocum was held to only three points and even fouled out. However, in a scorching second-quarter run, he scored 13 of his game-high 28 points, propelling the Elasto Painters from a 29-38 disadvantage and taking command of the game.

After starting the conference with four straight defeats, Rain or Shine went on to lead by as much as 100-83 before cruising to their first victory with Beau Belga and Jhonard Clarito joining the fray.

Clarito finished with 19 points and five rebounds, while Belga had a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. This helped offset Leonard Santillan’s eight points, despite his 10 boards and three steals.

“With the exception of the game at San Miguel, our other losses have been quite tight. However, prior to it, we were simply unable to complete games and reach a conclusion. “We are happy when we make free throws,” coach Yeng Guiao said, looking obviously relieved.

Additionally, we weren’t making the percentages of 3-pointers that we wanted to. Andami mentions three open points, but it’s not really clear. However, I simply keep urging the players to keep going if they’re willing to take a three, regardless of the percentage, Guiao continued.

“So for us, it worked well. I was concerned for a while if we would repeat the 0–5 result from the last conference. But at least from 1 to 4.”

The E-Painters finally succeeded in getting the bombs to drop, finishing with a 13-of-48 clip from beyond the arc, despite only managing to make two triples in their first 12 attempts.

The victory was aided by a plus-10 fastbreak point differential and 16 points gained off Phoenix’s 21 turnovers, 10 of which came from thefts.

The Fuel Masters were severely weakened against their opponents as a result of the injuries that kept top scorers Jason Perkins and Raoul Soyud out of the game. Only 28 of the 84 field goals the squad attempted during the game were converted, demonstrating their inability to establish a rhythm.

Four Fuel Masters players scored in double figures, demonstrating their tenacity and will in the face of adversity. Ricci Rivero became the team’s most outstanding player, spearheading the scoring spree with an astounding 16 points. His outstanding play was a major factor in the Fuel Masters’ 54-70 deficit-to-86 advantage they briefly had.

But Rain or Shine’s Andrei Caracut and Jonathan Clarito followed with consecutive clutch three-pointers, effectively putting an end to the Fuel Masters’ uprising and winning a close game for their squad. Rain or Shine had not defeated Phoenix in five meetings before this victory, which emphasizes the importance of their accomplishment in the context of their rivalry.

Even though they ultimately lost, the Fuel Masters’ heroic effort and fortitude in the face of difficulty are evidence of their competitive nature and will to succeed on the court. The lessons they acquired from this difficult encounter will surely enhance their commitment and ambition to excel in the league as they recover and refocus for upcoming games.

Scores at the end of the match

RAIN OR SHINE with 100 points for the win
Individual scores: Nocum 28, Belga 21, Clarito 19, Santillan 8, Caracut 6, Belo 5, Mamuyac 4, Borboran 4, Norwood 3, Ildefonso 2, Asistio 0, Demusis 0.

PHOENIX with 85 points

Individual scores: Rivero 16, Jazul 11, Tuffin 10, Verano 10, Manganti 7, Mocon 6, Alejandro 6, Muyang 5, Daves 4, Salado 3, Camacho 2, Lalata 0.

Scores per quarter

22-29, 47-41, 78-66, 100-85