Second unit stars in clutch as Rain or Shine nips GlobalPort

Gary David shoots over Bruno Sundov and Jireh Ibanez. Nuki Sabio/PBA

MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine’s second unit took turns in clutch as it nipped GlobalPort, 103-95, Friday in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Elastopainters leaned on Jervy Cruz, Gabe Norwood and Chris Tiu down the stretch — fending off the Batang Pier, who even took a one-point lead with four minutes to go.

A bucket from Cruz and a triple from Norwood gave Rain or Shine the lead back with 3:16 left. Another trey from Tiu and baseline jumper from Cruz stretched the lead to 98-92, with 32 seconds to go.

GlobalPort had one last gasp as Will Antonio connected on three-point play, but Norwood finished on a backdoor cut before Tiu capped it with two free throws.

“We really got a scare in the second half. It’s a good thing we hit big shots against their zone. I’m thankful Gabe and Chris’ baskets came in time,” said head coach Yeng Guiao.

Bruno Sundov led the Elastopainters with 17 points, 15 rebounds and four assists, and did not foul out this time. Tiu, Cruz and Norwood added 16, 15 and 13 points, respectively — all off the bench.

The Elastopainters improved to 5-2 while the Batang Pier dropped to 2-5.

GlobalPort wiped off a 19-point deficit at the start of the third quarter and pulled within four after 12 minutes — but coach Junel Baculi benched import Justin Williams in the fourth.

Even sans the import, GlobalPort still managed to take the lead on a trey off the screen by Gary David as Sol Mercado, Willie Miller and Antonio all worked to get their team back.

Baculi, though, told INQUIRER.net that replacement import Walter Sharpe is arriving later Friday night, hoping he could provide the points in the coming games for the Batang Pier.