Rey Nambatac’s game winning shot vs Phoenix. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rey Nambatac delivered when it mattered and gave Rain or Shine a close 90-88 win over Phoenix in the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the Elasto Painters down 88-86 in the final minute, Nambatac drove for a pull-up jumper and had a foul called against Chris Banchero to get to the line giving his team an 89-88 lead with 22.2 seconds.
Nambatac then picked the pockets of Banchero allowing Mark Borboran to get to the line with 8.7 seconds remaining.
Nambatac fishing expedition… AND-1!
89-88 ROS #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/lEQ5raGw0C
— PBA (@pbaconnect) December 16, 2021
“One word, grit,” said Rain or Shine head coach Chris Gavina. “I sent a picture to our Viber group today that would define the word ‘grit’ and it’s defined as fighting through adversity and that was what our guys did tonight.”
Banchero had a chance to send the game to overtime but his fadeaway jumper and Sean Manganti’s ensuing layup attempt both missed wildly.
Nambatac finished with 17 points, on 5-of-6 shooting from the field, and three steals to lead the Elasto Painters while Henry Walker added 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Paul Harris filled the stat sheets for the Fuel Masters with 17 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks.