By REYNALD MAGALLON
Adrian Nocum and Deon Thompson provided the tip to the spear of Rain or Shine as they barged into a third straight semifinals appearance after a 112-103 victory over Converge in the do-or-die Game 3 in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, Sunday, Feb. 9.
Nocum, just like in the previous game, impressed the crowd inside the Ynares Center in Antipolo with his daredevil drives, presiding over a 14-3 run that allowed the Elasto Painters to create a much-needed separation.
Thompson also saved his best game so far, just exactly when ROS’ tournament lives were on the line, finishing with a conference-best 34 points to go with 12 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and two steals.
Nocum, on the other hand, fired 24 points – 16 of which in the last two quarters including a booming triple late in the third that not only broke a 77-77 deadlock but also triggered the massive run that put Rain or Shine on a 91-80 advantage early in the payoff period.
Andrei Caracut also had 14 while Jhonard Clarito added 11 for the Elasto Painters who are now looking like a perennial Final Four contender after another return trip to the semis.
Meanwhile, A big finishing kick propelled Barangay Ginebra past Meralco, 94-87, and into the semifinals of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, Feb. 9.
Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos delivered the big hits in the waning minutes, leading the Kings to a strong 11-3 run at the five minute mark to establish a lead that they never relinquished until the final frame.
Brownlee, like he usually does in big, crucial games, led the charge with 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists while Abarrientos had 16 – none bigger than the trey he buried with 3:36 left to trigger the pull away.
From a tight, 78-74 lead with 3:32 left, the Kings suddenly erected a 91-77 advantage when the dust settled.
Meralco refused to go into the night silently with baskets from Cliff Hodge, Chris Banchero and Bong Quinto but it all proved to be futile in the end against the slew of weapons that Ginebra had.
Stephen Holt had 17 while Troy Rosario had 12. Scottie Thompson chipped in seven points, nine rebounds and four assists while Japeth Aguilar and Maverick Ahanmisi contributed six each.
