Debuting Mike Nieto stars as Rain or Shine snaps skid, keeps NorthPort winless

The debuting Mike Nieto led a huge second half run for Rain or Shine as they dispatched of NorthPort, 104-90, to snap a two-game losing skid in the PBA Governors' Cup on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Nieto, who was recently released by the SBP, was nothing short of impressive in his first game in the league, posting 21 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal as his side improved to 3-3.

Rain or Shine also got solid performance from import Henry Walker, who notched a triple-double with 17 markers, 11 boards, and 10 dimes, while big man Norbert Torres finished with 12 points and six rebounds.

NorthPort, however, remained winless in five games.

The Elasto Painters momentarily lost composure at the start of third quarter after leading by nine at the break, 51-40. The Batang Pier opened the third with a scorching 16-6 run to come within just one, 57-56.

Rain or Shine, however, regained its touch after it countered with a 19-2 spurt of their own as their lead ballooned to 76-58 with less than two minutes left in the third frame. The quarter ended with Rain or Shine still up by a wide margin, 79-64.

Northport, though, came roaring in the payoff period.

All thanks to new recruit Roi Sumang and Keven Ferrer, the Batang Pier were able to slice their deficit back to nine, 89-80, after the former UAAP standouts launched an 11-5 run, keeping NorthPort within striking distance.

Another triple by Ferrer made it a 96-86 affair, with Rain or Shine still in the lead. But fivestraight points from Nieto and his former Ateneo teammate Anton Asistio kept their squad up, 101-86.

Nieto's three-pointer just as the time expired sealed the deal for the Elasto Painters, 104-90.

The loss spoiled a double-double effort from new Northport import Jamel Artis, who registered 23 points and 10 rebounds alongside four assists and one block.

NorthPort was also without main gunner Robert Bolick, who just signed a new contract with the team earlier today.

The scores:

Rain or Shine 104 - Nieto 21, Walker 17, Torres 12, Asistio 11, Norwood 10, Mocon 8, Caracut 7, Ponferada 5, Borboran 4, Santillan 4, Belga 3, Jackson 2, Guinto 0, Tolentino 0.

NorthPort 90 - Artis 23, Ferrer 23, Malonzo 13, Santos 11, Sumang 6, Rike 5, Balanza 3, Taha 3, Doliguez 2, Cruz 1, Abundo 0, Subido 0, Dumapig 0.

Quarterscores: 25-22, 51-40, 79-64, 104-90.

—JMB, GMA News