Jayson David. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines-Barangay Ginebra dealt Rain or Shine its first defeat in the PBA On Tour as Jayson David’s late heroics completed a stunning 108-107 victory before a big Sunday crowd at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
David scored back-to-back baskets, including the go-ahead layup with 2.4 seconds to go as the Gin Kings pulled off an escape act when the Elasto Painters were heading towards extending their unbeaten record in the exhibition series.
Nick Demusis’ attempt with a fraction of a second left before the horn went off and Ginebra picked up a third straight win after three straight losses to begin the On Tour.
David's back2back buckets FTW!
Final: Ginebra beats Rain or Shine, 108-107. #PBAGameTayoDito #PBAOnTour pic.twitter.com/D7pRGQ9uYs
— PBA (@pbaconnect) June 25, 2023
“Very happy that the players didn’t give up again,” said acting coach Richard del Rosario, whose team came off a thrilling overtime win over Blackwater last Wednesday.
Von Pessumal was red-hot for Ginebra with 29 points while Jeremiah Gray had 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.
Rain or Shine lost for the first time after winning its first four matches in the series, squandering a 107-101 lead with under two minutes to go.
Gray drained a three, then David scored a layup to cut Ginebra’s deficit to a single point. Andrei Caracut missed a short jumper, which led to a transition play and David’s basket.
Six Rain or Shine players scored in double figures, with Demusis and Gian Mamuyac making 16 points apiece.
The scores:
GINEBRA 108—Pessumal 29, Gray 19, Pinto 14, Mariano 13, Aguilar R. 9, Salcedo 8, Onwubere 7, David 6, Dillinger 3, Gumaru 0, Aurin 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 107—Mamuyac 16, Demusis 16, Caracut 13, Nambatac 12, Santillan 11, Belga 10, Asistio 8, Borboran 8, Belo 5, Ildefonso 4, Clarito 4.
Quarters: 25-22, 47-46, 79-84, 108-107.