Rey Nambatac, Denzel Bowles helpRain or Shine survive Columbian in OT

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BATANGAS — Rey Nambatac banked in the game-winning jumper to tow Rain or Shine past Columbian in overtime, 88-86, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and halt a head-to-head losing streak in a rare contest at Batangas City Coliseum here.

“It’s nice to get a win over Columbian,” said ElastoPainters coach Caloy Garcia, who also commended his charges for bouncing back from a 107-105 loss to NorthPort last Wednesday.

“We lost the last four conferences, we lost against them, so I told the players that the only motivation they could get is winning against [the Dyip],” he added. “I just told my players to believe in themselves.”

And it couldn’t be more fitting for Nambatac, who Garcia revealed he gave an earful prior the halftime break for committing a similar turnover he picked up in the narrow loss to Batang Pier.

“He made the right decisions and the right shot. We may have recovered now, but it only goes to show that it is difficult to play any team in this league,” said the Rain or Shine mentor, whose charges improved to 3-3 in the Commissioner’s Cup.

Rain or Shine’s young guard delivered 10 points and nine rebounds. The Painters also drew an all-around performance of 29 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists by sickly import Denzel Bowles, who Garcia said was feeling a bit dehydrated going into the game.

Columbian was buoyed by reinforcement Lester Prosper who had 26 points. Rashawn McCarthy led three other locals in scoring double digits which included a drifting triple from that forged an extra period. 

The Dyip has absorbed three games to settle for a 1-6 record.

Up next for Rain or Shine is a rejuvenated NLEX side, who just notched its first win in the middle conference. They play on Friday at Araneta Coliseum.

Columbian, meanwhile, continues its series of tough tests when they tangle with a San Miguel Beer crew that’s gaining steam in Sunday’s action also at the Big Dome.