Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Rain or Shine got a lift from its bench to breeze past NorthPort, 91-85, Sunday and book the first ticket to the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at Mall of Asia Arena.
Ed Daquioag, Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon came off the bench and combined for 37 points as the Elasto Painters took a double-digit lead in the second quarter and never looked back.
“Before the game started, i told the players the only thing I’m worried about is the first quarter because we haven’t played for at least three weeks,” said ROS head coach Caloy Garcia.
“I told them at any given time, you just have to step up.”
Garcia’s worries came true after Rain or Shine got off to a slow start but it didn’t last long with Nambatac sparking a strong second-quarter showing.
Nambatac scored six of his 14 points in the second period while Daquioag and Mocon finished the game with 15 and eight points, respectively.