Adrian Nocum delivered the clutch baskets as Rain or Shine ruined the PBA debut of NBA vetrran Bol Bol behind a stunning 112-109 win against defending PBA Commissioner’s Cup champion TNT on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The shifty Nocum registered a double-double effort of 20 points and 11 rebounds including a semi-hook shot over the 7-foot-3 Bol, which proved to be the fatal blow for the Tropang 5G.
Bol, who played six seasons in the NBA had a chance to send the game into overtime, but missed his three-point heave in the dying seconds.
Rain or Shine improved to 2-0 after coming back from an 18-point deficit as well as bucking the absence of import Jaylen Johnson, who was ejected along with TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin in the 6:20 mark of the fourth due to a punching incident.
“It was unfortunate to see that happened,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said after the game, referring to the ejection of Johnson and Khobuntin.
“I think the referees just lost control of the game that time. They were allowing too much contact,” he added.
“But when it happened I knew it was impossible to win. There’s really no way or matchup you can do against Bol Bol. When he takes a shot, we’re just praying that he misses.”
Still, Rain or Shine mustered enough energy and courage to beat a souped-up TNT side that collected 38 points, 16 rebounds and five blocked shots from Bol.
Johnson still led the Elasto Painters with 33 points and nine rebounds.
Frank Lemetti and Luis Villegad chipped in 13 apiece.
Calvin Oftana supported Bol with 19 points and 12 rebounds.