The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters claimed their third win in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, thanks in part to Adrian Nocum’s 19-point second-half output.
Adrian Nocum limped as he retreated to the bench with still two minutes remaining in Rain or Shine's match against Blackwater in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate Wednesday, May 7.
This was shortly after Nocum sizzled with 19 of his 23 points in the second half to spearhead the Elasto Painters' 120-106 turnaround over the Bossing for their third win against two losses.
Nocum wound up with 23 points, including eight in the final minutes where Rain or Shine broke free from a 100-all count.
“Nag-cramps lang,” Nocum said when asked why he looked hurt on his way to the bench.
[RELATED STORY: Rain or Shine recovers from sloppy 2nd quarter vs Bossing to claim 3rd win in PBA PH Cup]
His offensive outburst helped Rain or Shine recover from a sloppy 23-35 second-quarter performance.
But the young explosive guard said he is actually struggling with his offense as of late, especially now that there is a target on his back as he continues to emerge as the squad's main man.
“Pinanood ko ang mga games ko noong nakaraan. 'Yong depensa, nagku-(collapse) sa akin kaya kailangan kong mag-adust,” Nocum said.
“Paunti-unti, kailangang makapag-adjust kasi 'yong depensa, nandoon sa'kin.”
Nocum was later named Player of the Game.
[ALSO READ: Summer Vacay, Slay! RK Ilagan wants to bring his family to this popular destination]
While it took Nocum time to warm up, his teammate Keith Datu made his presence felt down low from start to finish.
Datu finished with 27 big points he complemented with eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Caelan Tiongson returned from back spasms and scored 14, while Gian Mamuyac and Andrei Caracut chipped in 11 points apiece.
“Sabi nga sa'min ni coach sa huddle noong halftime, depensa. Talagang kailangan naming dumiin lang,” said Nocum, whose team had five steals and seven blocks.
Meanwhile, Christian David erupted for 28 points and collared eight boards as the Bossing slipped to 1-4.
Sedrick Barefield submitted 23, while RK Ilagan rifled in 16.
Rain or Shine vs Blackwater Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 120 – Datu 27, Nocum 23, Tiongson 14, Caracut 11, Mamuyac 11, Clarito 10, Santillan 9, Lemetti 8, Norwood 3, Asistio 3, Belga 0.
BLACKWATER 106 – David 28, Barefield 23, Ilagan 16, Ayonayon 9, Casio 8, Guinto 6, Andrade 5, Escoto 5, Mallilin 4, Chua 2, Tratter 0.
Quarterscores: 37-33, 60-68, 91-91, 120-106.