PBA: Norwood atones for offensive mistakes with key steal

Gabe Norwood file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine rode on Jeff Chan’s stellar offensive night to salvage a close win over Barako Bull on Friday but it was at the other end of the floor where the Elasto Painters sealed the deal.

Chan fell just a point shy of matching his career-high with 34 points built on seven triples including a 3-pointer under 10 seconds left that put ROS on top for good, 97-95, but Gabe Norwood’s defensive gem in the ensuing play helped the Painters survive the Energy.

Norwood hounded Barako Bull forward JC Intal at the right wing and was able to deflect a pass intended for Mick Pennisi and secure the leather before getting intentionally fouled by Pennisi with just 0.3 tenths of a second remaining.

“I made mistakes offensively so I had to do something right on defense and that’s what it came down to,” said Norwood, whose length and athleticism, make him one of the best defenders in the league.

“Coach (Yeng Guiao) did a good job. We went so smaller so we could switch on the perimeter area. JC (Intal) came off the screen and I was able to make the switch and get my hand on the ball,” recalled the six-foot-five Norwood, who drained two freebies that helped his team salvage a 99-95 win after blowing a double-digit lead.

Norwood scored eight points and shot just two-of-six from the field but his last of two steals to go along with five rebounds and two assists more than made up for it.

“It was a huge win. Our goal is to get 10 wins and be in the top two and this is just another step. We’re 6-3 now and we have another big game on Sunday.”

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