PBA: Adrian Nocum drops career-high 31 as Rain or Shine squeaks past Magnolia

Adrian Nocum erupted for a career-high 31 points to tow Rain or Shine past Magnolia, 98-97, in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Nocum, who shot 11-of-16 from the field, including three triples, surpassed his previous career high of 30 points, which he set against Phoenix in the Philippine Cup last year.

The hot-shooting guard already had a conference-high 22 points by halftime, scoring 14 in the second quarter as the game was tied at 51 after the first 24 minutes.

The two teams went neck and neck in the second half, with the game tied at 96 with 24 seconds left.

Ian Sangalang was fouled by Caelan Tiongson and split his free throws to give the Hotshots a slim lead, but Nocum sealed the victory for Rain or Shine. Magnolia import KJ Buffen missed his final attempt to snatch the win.

“Maganda ‘yung laban. Magandang experience para sa mga bata na natututo sila sa mahigpitang laban. Sa amin napakahalaga ng experience na ‘yun, natututo sila,” said head coach Yeng Guiao about the character-testing game.

Guiao also praised Nocum for his late-game heroics.

“Nagtitiwala naman kami sa diskarte niya so kung mai-drive niya, meron siyang tira, desisyon niya ‘yun. Pero kung nag-collapse 'yon at hirap siya, naka-spread out naman 'yung mga puwedeng tumira din. Sinasabi ko nga, nag-i-improve ang decision making niya. Mas consistent siya ngayon.

“Baka maya-maya humingi na ng raise sa suweldo ’to,” Guiao said in jest.

Aside from his 31 points, Nocum also tallied nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Deo Cuajao added 15 points. Import Aaron Fuller posted 14 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Luis Villegas chipped in 12 points.

Buffen, meanwhile, finished with 31 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks to lead Magnolia. Zav Lucero recorded a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds to go along with a steal and a block, while Sangalang added 14 points. Paul Lee and Mark Barroca contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.

With the win, Rain or Shine notched its third straight victory to improve to 3-2, while Magnolia slipped to 1-3.

Scores:

Rain or Shine 98– Nocum 31, Cuajao 15, Fuller 14, Villegas 12, Manaytay 6, Tiongson 6, Caracut 5, Clarito 5, David 3, Asistio 1, Malonzo 0.

Magnolia 97 – Buffen 31, Lucero 15, Sangalang 14, Lee 13, Barroca 11, Lastimosa 9, Jopia 4, Dela Rosa 0, Alfaro 0, Verano 0, Andrada 0, Gomez de Liano 0.

Quarters: 20-29, 56-56, 81-81, 98-97.

—JKC, GMA News