Denzel Bowles was not at one hundred percent when his Rain or Shine Elasto Painters took on the Columbian Dyip in 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup action, Sunday evening at Batangas City.
“The food here didn’t really settle well with me,” confessed the Virginia-native, who arrived in Batangas – along with the Elasto Painters and the whole PBA delegation – Saturday.
“Actually before the game, si Denzel was already not feeling well. He told me before the game na medyo masama yung pakiramdam niya,” said Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia.
The former Best Import still notched a triple-double of 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in 43 minutes. His efforts helped the Elasto Painters conquering the Dyip in overtime, 88-86.
But Bowles struggled shooting from the free throw line. A 67-percent shooter from the charity stripe this conference, the 6-foot-10 center made just seven of the 21 shots he earned.
Bowles could possibly pin the blame to his health. Still, he did not offer any excuses to his poor shooting.
“I didn’t really feel as well today, but that’s on me. I can’t miss that many free throws,” said the eight-year pro.
Bowles is thankful to RoS for their great job bagging the win, which ended their four-game skid to the Dyip. It also avenged their 25-point meltdown to NorthPort last June 19.
“I haven’t been here, but this team has beaten us four, five times in a row. And we wanted to come here and break it,” said the 30-year-old slotman.
“We were gonna fight to the end regardless, and not repeat what happened last game.“
Bowles also lauded Rey Nambatac for sinking the shot that propelled the Elasto Painters back to the win column – the sophomore guard sank a lay-up over Lester Prosper with 2.6 ticks left to play.
“The play… Back pick for me, they (Columbian defenders) both came to me. Rey became open and he did what he’s supposed to do. Big shot.”
