Alex Nuyles (center). PBA IMAGE FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Rookie Alex Nuyles scored 16 points as Rain or Shine got back at GlobalPort, 98-87, for its fourth straight win in the 2014 PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Nuyles, the ninth overall pick, shot six-of-12 from the field and had four rebounds and a pair of assists and steals to help the Elasto Painters remain in good position to possibly get into the top two slots.
“It’s really a win we wanted badly because we lost to this team the first time we played them,” said ROS head coach Yeng Guiao, whose team avenged an 88-90 loss last December 8.
“It would have been a more satisfying win if Sol Mercado was playing. We prepared a game plan focused on Sol Mercado because he really created problems for us the last time. We were surprised that he didn’t play but at the same time it’s a big break for us.”
GlobalPort guard Sol Mercado missed the game due to an injury on his achilles and the Batang Pier couldn’t get enough source at the offensive end aside from Jay Washington’s game-high 26 points.
Rookie Nico Salva added 11 points but GlobalPort didn’t get ample production from its other rookies with Terrence Romeo fouling out early in the fourth quarter and finished with 10 points on just two-of-12 shooting while RR Garcia had nine — missing seven of his 11 attempts.
Terrence Romeo of Global port (light) vs Chris Tiu of RoS (dark). PBA IMAGE by KC Cruz
“We’re just trying to win as many games as we can and keep ourselves alive for the top two spots. We’ll see what happens. Hopefully we can sustain the run that we’re having,” added Guiao after the Painters improved to 8-3 and stay in solo third place.
“It’s also a chance to play our rookies, Alex played a good game.”
Jervy Cruz and TY Tang added 12 points each for Rain or Shine. Tang converted a three-point play after he was fouled shooting a jumper to put a stop on GlobalPort’s late comeback bid, 96-85, with 1:22 remaining.
Salva pulled the Batang Pier, who suffered their fourth straight setback and fell into a four-way tie in fifth place with Alaska, Meralco and Barako Bull at 4-7, to within eight, 93-85, with 1:43 to go after trailing by as much as 18 early in the final frame.