The retirement tour continues for Gabe Norwood. The Rain or Shine veteran posted 16 points against TNT in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup in Cagayan de Oro.
Gabe Norwood played his best game yet in his final conference as Rain or Shine got the better of TNT, 91-89, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Aquilino Q. Pimentel Convention Center Saturday, Nov. 15.
Known more as a defensive lynchpin, Elasto Painters lifer Norwood put up 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists to emerge as Player of the Game.
RoS reclaimed the top spot at 6-2 while shoving erstwhile leader Tropang 5G to a share of second spot after absorbing their second loss in seven outings.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Will Gabe Norwood change his mind about retirement?]
There, TNT is joined by Magnolia, San Miguel, Converge and NLEX.
Norwood's experience shines
Norwood’s brightest moment came in the third period, where he accounted for eight of the Elasto Painters' 32 points.
[RELATED STORY: Looking back at Rain or Shine icon Gabe Norwood’s decorated PBA career]
Trailing early, 6-24, and still down, 74-81, at the end of three quarters, RoS turned it up a notch in the payoff period where it outgunned its foe, 17-8, to secure the come-from-behind win.
The Elasto Painters got their first taste of the lead, 83-81, after opening up the final frame with a nine-to-nothing run.
It was a nip-and-tuck battle since then.
Jordan Heading’s bank shot with 3:59 left to play gave the Tropang 5G the edge anew at 86-89, but that ended up to be their final field goal.
Coach Chot Reyes’ charges had an opportunity to steal the match or at least send the game into overtime after Rain or Shine missed three of their last four free throws.
But TNT just went silent as time wound down.
Rain or Shine vs TNT Scores:
Rain or Shine 91 – Norwood 16, Mamuyac 14, Santillan 8, Clarito 8, Tiongson 7, Nocum 7, Caracut 7, Lemetti 6, Asistio 5, Malonzo 4, Belga 4, Manaytay 3, Pringle 2
TNT 89 – Nambatac 18, Pogoy 18, Heading 15, Galinato 13, Williams 9, Aurin 6, Jalalon 4, Ferrer 3, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Khobuntin 0, Erram 0
Quarterscores: 18-31, 42-54, 74-81, 91-89
—
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.