PBA: Rain or Shine nips San Miguel, 93-92

MANILA, Philippines – Rookie Gabe Norwood tipped in a Sol Mercado missed three-pointer to lift Rain or Shine to 93-92 win over San Miguel in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. The win earned the Elasto Painters sole possession of second place with a 10-7 mark behind the 10-6 record of league-leading Alaska. The loss dropped the Beermen to a 9-8 card to join defending champion Sta. Lucia from fourth to fifth spots. Mercado paced the scoring for Rain or Shine with 19 points behind an 8-of-16 shooting from the field and also dished out five assists. The win also showed ROS’ readiness in taking up the veteran teams of the league showing steady nerves in the face of adversity. The Elasto Painters nearly lost the match after San Miguel big man Dorian Peña’s putback, off a Lordy Tugade missed three-point try, that gave the Beermen a slim 92-91 lead with 26 seconds left. Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia called a time out to map out a final play. When play resumed, Salangsang attempted a three-pointer but it only hit the rim but Norwood beat SMB’s Bonbon Custodio and Jay Washington for the loose ball who then tipped the ball inside for the marginal basket as time expired It took a while for game officials to confirm if there is still time left when Norwood made his shot. The Rain or Shine bench then erupted in celebration when table officials counted Norwood’s shot. – GMANews.TV