Norwood gives Painters big lift in trimming of Bolts

Santi Santillan (No. 25) leads Rain or Shine with 27 points. —PBA IMAGES

CITY OF ANTIPOLO—At 40 years old, Gabe Norwood is no longer the player known for his high-flying dunks and defensive abilities that made him one of Rain or Shine’s fixtures for almost two decades.

But Norwood can provide some lift when needed, as seen on Sunday when he had to play heavy minutes out of necessity in the ElastoPainters’ 128-116 victory over the skidding Meralco Bolts in the PBA Philippine Cup at Ynares Center here.

“Playing 38 minutes is closer to my age,” Norwood said after finishing with 12 points and five rebounds as Rain or Shine improved to 2-1 after back-to-back victories to atone for a stinging setback to NLEX in its opening assignment.

Norwood highlighted his important contribution by scoring a one-handed dunk in the second half, a rarity at this point of a PBA career that started in 2008, all with the E-Painters.

“I didn’t know where I was because I spun around, and I was like, ‘I guess I have to dunk it now,’” Norwood said. “But I mean, I’m just trying to really take care of my body, take care of myself, get as much rest as I can, and I just try to contribute.”

Coach Yeng Guiao said that Norwood had to log big minutes in lieu of Rain or Shine’s injury woes, with fellow veteran Beau Belga and sophomore center Keith Datu still out.

Rookie Caelan Tiongson, on the other hand, was a late scratch due to back spasms, making Norwood’s presence even more important.

Santi Santillan scored 27 points on top of seven rebounds, Gian Mamuyac had 24 and Adrian Nocum added 23 for Rain or Shine.

The E-Painters led by 27 points in handing the Bolts a third consecutive loss after a 2-0 start in defense of the all-Filipino title. Bong Quinto scored 23 as Chris Newsome didn’t play much in the fourth when he was already cramping up.

Interested franchise buyer

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga-based maker of two familiar sardine brands has expressed its interest in entering the PBA, commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed.

Marcial said he had discussed the possibility with one of the members of the Kaw family, which owns Universal Canning Inc. (UCI). A meeting between Marcial and Tippy Kaw took place during the league’s visit to Zamboanga City for Saturday’s out-of-town game between Magnolia and Phoenix.

Magnolia won, 118-99, behind hometown boy Mark Barroca’s 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Barroca’s performance also came a day after he celebrated his 39th birthday.

Marcial didn’t confirm if UCI, which produces Family’s Brand Sardines and Master Sardines, is one of the three companies eyeing to purchase the Terrafirma franchise following the collapse of an initial deal with shipping line Starhorse. INQ