Nocum heroics lift Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines — There’s more shine than rain right now for rejuvenated Rain or Shine.

After a gloomy 0-2 start, the Elasto Painters roared to life with a hat trick of victories to move just a whisker behind Group B pacesetter Phoenix (4-1) in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

The troops of coach Yeng Guiao were tested to the limit against Magnolia but led by Adrian Nocum’s exploits, pulled through with a 98-97 victory in a Friday-night thriller at the SM MOA Arena.

It was a big night for Nocum, who not only scored a new career-high of 31 points but also punctuated it with the game-winning layup with 5.6 seconds left.

“Hindi talaga kami sumuko, nagtiwala lang kami sa sistema ng mga coaches kaya nakuha namin yung panalo,” said Nocum, who complemented his scoring exploits with nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Magnolia engaged ROS in a seesaw battle that saw the Hotshots lead by as many 12 at 23-11 and the E-Painters fight back and wrest a 71-60 cushion before going to the cardiac finish.

“Maganda ‘yung laban. Magandang experience para sa mga bata na natututo silang manalo sa mahigpitang laban, sa amin napakahalaga non,” said Guiao.

The Elasto Painters had their backs to the wall as the Hotshots grabbed a 97-96 upperhand on a three-point play by Ian Sangalang with 24.5 ticks left.

Guiao then plotted the potential winner, with Nocum as focal point. The high-flying young star saw an opening and drove in for the go-ahead going to the last 5.6 seconds.

The E-Painters then held their ground as KJ Buffen tried in vain to steal the W at the buzzer.

Later, RJ Abarrientos (27) and Riley Grigsby (25-9) took the cudgels as Barangay Ginebra zapped injury-depleted Meralco, 84-75.

The Gin Kings moved to 2-2 as the Bolts, sans CJ Cansino (hip), Bong Quinto (vertigo), Jason Brickman (flu)and Raymund Almazan (back), fell to 2-3.