Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Beau Belga in the PBA Philippine Cup game against NorthPort. –PBA IMAGES
Beau Belga reset his career-high by dropping 28 points as Rain or Shine continued its winning form after defeating NorthPort, 115-105, Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Belga spearheaded the Elasto Painters’ fiery start before making sure that they would sustain their lead till the end to pick up after fifth consecutive victory after a 0-4 start in the all-Filipino tournament.
The veteran big man also had 13 rebounds, seven assists and two steals for Rain or Shine, which climbed up to sixth in the standings as of posting time.
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Jhonard Clarito added 17 points and seven rebounds while rookie Adrian Nocum posted 16 points.
NorthPort suffered a third straight defeat to fall 4-4 in the standings, all of its defeats coming after the All-Star break.
Arvin Tolentino was held to a conference-low 11 points after taking eight shots in the harsh defeat that saw Rain or Shine lead by a high of 22.
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Rookie Zavier Lucero posted a season-high 29 points on top of seven rebounds and two steals while Allyn Bulanadi had a career-best 26 for NorthPort.
Rain or Shine raced to a 12-0 lead at the start, with Belga scoring five in that run.
Mac Belo’s basket with less than seven minutes left got the Elasto Painters ahead 40-18 in the second period.
NorthPort inched its way back behind Lucero and Bulanadi, getting as close as six in the third, before Rain or Shine got control of the situation.
PBA scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 115—Belga 28, Clarito 17, Nocum 16, Borboran 12, Caracut 8, Asistio 7, Mamuyac 6, Santillan 5, Ildefonso 5, Belo 5, Demusis 4, Paredes 2.
NORTHPORT 105—Lucero 29, Bulanadi 26, Rosales 12, Tolentino 11, Flores 9, Amores 8, Munzon 6, Navarro 4, Paraiso 0, Yu 0, Zamar 0, Cuntapay 0, Adamos 0.
Quarters: 24-14, 48-38, 81-72, 115-105.