Xyrus Torres stars as NLEX spoils Rain or Shine's PBA Philippine Cup debut

Xyrus Torres starred as NLEX spoiled Rain or Shine's debut in the PBA Philippine Cup, 109-95, on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The rookie Torres had 28 points and was a field goal away from a perfect night as he made 11 out of 12 shots, five of which were three-pointers.

Rain or Shine started hot with an 11-3 opening before the Road Warriors caught up and ended the first period with a 32-25 advantage. It was all NLEX then as they led 71-54 early in the third set after a Robert Bolick trey before they cruised to the victory.

Torres said he just wanted to give back the trust his coaches gave him.

"'Yung mindset ko na gusto ko maka-give back sa coaches sa binibigay nilang opportunity kasi di ko in-expect na ganito ang lalaruin ko sa team. Parang feeling ko nao-overwhelm ako always kasi rookie, maraming nagsasabi na 'yung chance makapaglaro agad, sobrang liit pero 'yung binibigay na trust ng coaches, 'yun din ang dinadala ko everyday para makapag-give back sa kanila," said Torres.

Torres' 11 field goals record was one short from Ali Peek's perfect 12 out of 12 field goals made, a feat the latter achieved in 2006 when he was still with Coca-Cola.

Bolick had 23 points to go with 12 assists and seven rebounds, while Javee Mocon had his own double-double of 12 points and 10 boards, along with two assists, two steals, and a block. Anthony Semerad added 18 points as NLEX notched its first win after falling to San Miguel in its conference opener.

Caelan Tiongson had 24 points, while Santi Santillan and Jhonard Clarito added 13 and 12 points, respectively for the Elasto Painters.

Scores:

NLEX 109 – Torres 28, Bolick 23, Semerad 18, Mocon 12, Bahio 8, Nieto 5, Fajardo 5, Ramirez 3, Policarpio 2, Alas 2, Miranda 2, Valdez 1.

Rain or Shine 95 – Tiongson 24, Santillan 13, Clarito 12, Nocum 11, Mamuyac 10, Caracut 9, Norwood 6, Malonzo 5, Asistio 2, Lemetti 3, Datu 0.

Quarters: 32-25, 60-50, 86-73, 109-95.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News