REY NAMBATAC nailed a one-handed floater against the outstretched arms of three
defenders to lift Rain or Shine past San Miguel Beer, 95-93, on Sunday in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Nambatac’s game-winner saved rookie Leonard Santillan’s 21-points and five-rebound production as well as JV Mocon’s double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds that went with four assists that powered the Elasto Painters to their sixth win against fourth losses.
The victory also intensified Rain or Shine’s quarterfinals campaign.
“We relied on Rey’s instincts and he made that game-winning basket for us,” Rain or Shine Coach Chris Gavina said. “But it would take a collective effort to beat a grizzled champion San Miguel Beer…and we pulled it out.”
Ahead 89-93 with 52.2 seconds to go, June Mar Fajardo completed two free throws and CJ Perez completed a steal with in a game-tying layup at 93-all with 12 seconds remaining.
After a time out, Nambatac got the ball to Beau Belga and drove against Perez, Marcio Lassiter and Mo Tautuaa for the go ahead basket with 2.5 ticks left. The Beermen fell to 5-3 won-lost.