PBA: Rain or Shine weathers San Miguel storm for first 5-0 start in franchise history

Rain or Shine cruised to its best start in franchise history after surviving San Miguel's comeback storm, 116-112, to remain unscathed in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Elasto Painters flaunted their fast-paced game to create a lead as big as 25, but the Beermen silenced them early in the fourth quarter with a huge rally. Adrian Nocum, however, showed up when it mattered most to star in the narrow four-point victory.

Nocum posted a conference-high 24 points, including two three-pointers late in the game, along with five rebounds and two assists while import Jaylen Johnson finished with 24 markers, five boards, and three dimes.

San Miguel snapped its two-game winning streak to fall to 3-3 in the team standings.

"Mabuti na lang na nakalamang kami ng 25. Kung nagkataaon na bente lang lamang namin, talo kami. 'Di ka pwede mag relax 'pag San Miguel 'yung kalaban mo," Rain ir Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said.

"Medyo bumagal 'yung pace namin kaya nakahabaol sila. We'll just have to try to look for solutions 'pag gano'ng situations."

Rain or Shine capitalized on San Miguel’s depleted roster from early in the second period through the third, as the Beermen were forced to play all-Filipino after import Justin Patton collected five fouls with 9:37 still remaining in the second period. 

That allowed the Elasto Painters to create a 92-67 cushion before ending the penultimate period with a 95-73 lead. 

However, the Beermen remained unfazed despite facing a large deficit.

San Miguel caught fire from downtown with Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, and Juami Tiongson fueling a huge 26-4 blast to pull within two early in the fourth, 99-97, despite June Mar Fajardo and Cjay Perez sitting on the bench. 

Rain or Shine didn't press the panic button just yet. 

Nocum came to the rescue, knocking down a pair of three-pointers for a 108-100 lead before Jhonard Clarito hit a corner three-pointer, 111-104. Lassiter kept carrying San Miguel on his back with two more triples that cut the gap to four, 116-112, with 1:07 left. 

San Miguel had two attempts to force a deadlock but Trollano and Patton both misfired their four-point shots as Rain or Shine survived to keep its unbeaten slate. 

Lassiter had his best offensive finish in the last six months after tallying 27 points on 7-of-13 shooting from downtown while Patton posted 12 markers and 17 boards. 

Scores:

Rain or Shine 116 – Johnson 24, Nocum 21, Clarito 16, Lemetti 14, Tiongson 11, Mamuyac 10, Caracut 9, Santillan 5, Asistio 2, Roque 2, Malonzo 2, Villegas 0, Manaytay 0.

San Miguel 112 – Lassiter 27, Perez 18, Fajardo 17, Trollano 14, Patton 12, Tautuaa 9, Cruz 9, Tiongson 4, Brondial 2, Rosales 0, Cahilig 0.

Quarters: 26-27, 62-52, 95-73, 116-112.

—JKC, GMA News