Rain or Shine guard Rey Nambatac scores on a tough drive in the final seconds to beat San Miguel Beer in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup in Bacolor, Pampanga. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rey Nambatac hit the game-winner as Rain or Shine came away with a dramatic 95-93 win over San Miguel in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Nambatac scored on a drive against three defenders with 2.5 seconds left before the Elasto Painters made one last stop to win their sixth game in 10 outings.
“I already designed a play where Rey would get the ball at the top of the key or get the ball in the post from a hand-off,” said Elasto Painters head coach Chris Gavina. “Rey was the one who did it with his instincts and won the game for us.”
San Miguel held a 10-point lead at the end of the first half but the Painters put on a strong third quarter and outscored the Beermen 31-18 in the period to enter the final frame with a 72-69 lead.
Rain or Shine then held a four-point lead with less than a minute remaining but a couple of free throws from June Mar Fajardo and a CJ Perez layup tied the game at 93-93 with 12 seconds to play.
Rookie Santi Santillan put up 21 points and grabbed five assists to lead Rain or Shine while Javee Mocon had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.
Terrence Romeo had a team-high 20 points with six assists for the Beermen while Arwind Santos had 18 points and 12 boards.
San Miguel, which was coming off back-to-back wins, slipped to fourth with a 5-3 record.
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