Down-to-the-wire win for ROS

MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine handed new coach Chris Gavina a triumphant debut via an 83-82 squeaker over NLEX yesterday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Rey Nambatac and Beau Belga knocked down clutch baskets as the Elasto Painters survived a wild finish and joined the march of victors in the much-awaited PBA opener.

Nambatac fired 19 points while Belga shot 17, helping the E-Painters stay afloat in the face of the Road Warriors’ late rally.

Belga’s hook shot put ROS ahead, 83-79, but a long triple by Kiefer Ravena made it a one-point game, and a turnover by Gabe Norwood gave NLEX a chance to steal it with still 10 seconds left.

However, Tony Semerad missed the potential game-winner, allowing Gavina to notch his first win since taking over the ROS coaching position last March.

“I’m truly blessed to be in this position to help the team as we aim for greater heights,” said Gavina, who was assistant to Caloy Garcia last season and previously coach of Kia.

The E-Painters spoiled the 23-point, seven-assist performance of Ravena, who was all business amid his controversial plan to play in the Japanese B.League.

In the first game, Mike Digregorio sparked Alaska’s second-half explosion to romp off with a 103-77 rout of Blackwater Bossing.

Digregogio fired 17 of his 20 after intermission as the Aces broke away from a 39-39 standoff and posted the most lopsided season-opening game win since Mobiline routed Tanduay (90-64) in the 1999 All-Filipino.

“Without tuneup games, you don’t really know how good or bad you are so my challenge to the team was to share the ball on offense and defend the best we can,” said Alaska mentor Jeff Cariaso.

“Luckily, Mike stepped up and the guys really followed the simple game plan we had so we’re happy for the first win,” he added.

It was also Alaska’s first time to start the season victorious in the last five years.