In Yeng Guiao’s eyes, Gabe Norwood still has a lot left in the tank. That was none more evident in Rain or Shine’s win over Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup.
After Adrian Nocum’s point-blank shot rimmed out, Gabe Norwood swooped in to tip the ball back in and send the game into overtime.
That moment only reminded Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao of how crucial Norwood's role is to the team, which eventually essayed a dramatic 96-95 win over Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Saturday, Oct. 11.
Now more than ever, Guiao is convinced that the 40-year-old Norwood still has a lot left in the tank. He finished with 11 points, three rebounds and a steal.
“Gabe played a really good game today, [both on] offense and defense. He put in those crucial two points to tie,” Guiao said during the post-game press conference at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Norwood starts farewell on high as Rain or Shine flips Bolts in OT]
Norwood to change his mind?
That’s why the veteran mentor could only hope that his ward would change his mind after announcing his impending retirement at the end of the conference.
“I’m not sure. He’ll probably change his mind; he’ll probably play another conference. Puwede namang magpalit ng isip, eh,” Guiao said with a smile.
“Or another year, I don’t know. Gabe’s playing well. He’s still a really important part of the team. We could not have won this game without Gabe.”
[RELATED STORY: Looking back at Rain or Shine icon Gabe Norwood’s decorated PBA career]
But while Norwood shone in the dying seconds of regulation, it was Caelan Tiongson who emerged as Player of the Game.
Before Norwood’s said field goal, Tiongson gave the team a ray of hope after unloading a hail mary from the four-point line to close in, 84-85.
He would score another basket in the extra period to give the Elasto Painters a precarious 96-93 edge.
Chris Banchero scored on a layup for the Bolts to close in at 95-96 with 1:43 to go. But Chris Newsome and Allein Maliksi failed to convert from there.
[ALSO READ: PBA Lifers: Legends who played for a single team their entire career]
Tiongson wound up with a game-high 23 points, 10 rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Keith Datu added 11 markers and seven boards, while Nocum and Andre Caracut punched in 10 points each.
Meanwhile, Bong Quinto paced Meralco with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, while CJ Cansino also nearly punched in one of his own with 18-8.
Chris Newsome dropped 12 points as the Bolts absorbed a second loss in as many games.
Rain or Shine vs Meralco Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 96– Tiongson 23, Datu 11, Norwood 11, Caracut 10, Lemetti 9, Asistio 6, Mamuyac 5, Ildefonso 5, Malonzo 4, Clarito 2, Porter 0, Belga 0, Porter 0
MERALCO 95 – Quinto 18, Cansino 18, Almazan 12, Newsome 12, Banchero 9, Bates 8, Black 6, Caram 5, Hodge 5, Maliksi 2, Pascual 0
Quarterscores: 24-28, 50-44, 70-81, 90-90, 96-95
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.