Nocum stars as Painters rout Fuel Masters for 1st win

MANILA, Philippines -- Adrian Nocum exploded for 28 points and helped the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters notch their first win in the PBA Philippine Cup against the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 100-85, Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Nocum had an all-around game that included seven rebounds and six assists as he steered the Elasto Painters to their first win in five games over Phoenix, which played without forward Jason Perkins.

The Fuel Masters started the game hot, leading by as much as nine, 38-29, with 7:53 remaining in the second quarter with a pair of free throws by Larry Muyang.

The Elasto Painters then found their groove, unleashing an 18-0 run in the same quarter to take a nine point lead of their own, 47-38.

In that span, the rookie Nocum had 13 points.

The rest of the way, Rain or Shine was able to keep their distance thanks to the troika of Nocum, Beau Belga and Jhonard Clarito.

The lead grew to as much as 17, 100-83, with 2:14 to go.

Belga and Clarito backstopped the rookie guard with 21 and 19 points, respectively.

On the other hand, Ricci Rivero led Phoenix with 16 points off the bench.

RJ Jazul chipped in 11, while Raffy Verano and Ken Tuffin had 10 apiece.
Phoenix is going into the All-Star break with a 1-3 record.

They will be facing defending champions San Miguel Beermen next on March 31.

The Elasto Painters will face the struggling Converge FiberXers on April 3.