PBA: Nocum, Rain or Shine escape TNT in heated clash, spoil Bol Bol debut and Castro return

Adrian Nocum and Rain or Shine escaped TNT, 112-109, in a heated affair on Friday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nocum delivered the decisive basket for the Elasto Painters, capping a performance that spoiled the debut of TNT import Bol Bol and the return of veteran guard Jayson Castro.

Tensions flared midway through the fourth quarter when Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson and TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin figured in a heated exchange, resulting in both players being ejected with six minutes remaining.

"'Medyo unfortunate 'yung nangyari. I think the referees just lost control of the game at that time, they were allowing too much contact. But when it happened, I knew parang imposibleng manalo," Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said. 

"There's really no matchup you can do against Bol Bol. When he takes a shot, magdadasal ka lang na magmintis... Incredible toughness that the team showed and our prayers just worked," he added.

Prior to that, TNT built an early 47-29 lead in the second quarter, but the Elasto Painters fought back to cut the deficit to 58-54 by halftime. Rain or Shine sustained its momentum in the third period, eventually forcing a deadlock at 80-all heading into the final quarter.

Nocum finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists, while Johnson tallied 33 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block before his ejection.

Bol Bol erupted for 38 points, 16 rebounds, five blocks, and three assists. Calvin Oftana added 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Castro chipped in 13 points in his return after nearly a year sidelined by a knee injury.

With the win, Rain or Shine improved to a 2-0 record in the conference.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 112 – Johnson 33, Nocum 20, Lemetti 13, Villegas 13, Mamuyac 9, Tiongson 7, Clarito 5, Malonzo 4, Caracut 4, Belga 2, Santillan 0, Asistio 0, Manaytay 0.

TNT 109 – Bol 38, Oftana 19, Castro 13, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Galinato 8, Ferrer 8, Nambatac 7, Khobuntin 5, Aurin 2, Enciso 0, Chua 0, Heading 0.

Quarters: 25-34, 54-58, 80-80, 112-109.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News