PBA: Nocum’s consistency helps RoS to keep the series close
Adrian Nocum delivered another all-around performance, tallying 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists to lead Rain or Shine to a 103-98 victory over TNT in Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semi-final showdown on Sunday night, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Once again, Nocum was inserted into the starting lineup for the Elasto Painters, proving he was worthy of the trust placed in him by head coach Yeng Guiao.
The 24-year-old guard also drew eight fouls against TNT, matching the tally of import Deon Thompson, who led the team with 19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.
Beyond Nocum, Caelan Tiongson stepped up with one of his best performances in the playoffs, contributing 18 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Anton Asistio and Gian Mamuyac added 12 and nine points, respectively.
On the other hand, Tropang Giga, missing veteran Jayson Castro due to season-ending injury, leaned heavily on reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who erupted for a game-high 34 points and 19 rebounds.
Hollis-Jefferson logged over 45 minutes on the court despite observing a daytime fast for Ramadan.
Roger Ray Pogoy provided much-needed support with his best performance of the series, scoring 21 points, while Calvin Oftana and John Paul Erram chipped in 13 and 10 points, respectively.
As in Games 1 and 2, the matchup remained tight until the closing moments. However, this time, Rain or Shine managed to break through and secure a crucial win to stay within reach in the series.
The Elasto Painters will look to even the series at 2-2 on Wednesday, March 5, at 7:30 PM at the same venue.
The Scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 103 - Thompson 19, Tiongson 18, Nocum 16, Asistio 12, Mamuyac 9, Santillan 8, Clarito 7, Norwood 7, Datu 4, Caracut 3, Lemetti 0.
TNT 98 - Hollis-Jefferson 34, Pogoy 21, Oftana 13, Erram 10, Williams 8, Aurin 8, Nambatac 2, Khobuntin 2, Heruela 0, Razon 0.
Quarter Scores: 21-21, 49-43, 75-73, 103-98.
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