Rain or Shine had to withstand San Miguel’s fourth-quarter rally before coming away with the 116-112 decision to extend its unbeaten run to five in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Elasto Painters saw their 25-point lead evaporate and become just a mere field goal, 99-97, with seven minutes left no thanks to the Beermen’s massive 24-4 assault, but luckily had enough gas left to reach the finish line.
Jaylen Johnson and Adrian Nocum came through the important plays to restore order for their side, with Felix Lemetti and Jhonard Clarito helping as well to keep the traditional powerhouse at bay with solid effort on both ends.
Defense proved key in the end as they prevented the opposition from finding any decent look from beyond the arcs, with Nocum capping it off by intercepting June Mar Fajardo’s pass just before time expired to seal the deal.
“‘Di ka talaga pwede mag-relax kapag San Miguel kalaban mo,” exhaled head coach Yeng Guiao as they aced another test to remain atop the standings.
Johnson led the way with 24 points, five rebounds, and three assists while Nocum finished with a conference-high 21 for Rain or Shine.
