Nocum, Clarito, Belga join forces as Rain or Shine arrests slump at expense of Phoenix

PBA

It took Rain or Shine a collective effort to finally break out of its four-game slump as it thumped Phoenix, 100-85, in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

Rookie Adrian Nocum atoned for a three-point outing in their previous game against San Miguel, churning out a team-high 28 points this time around, built on five triples alongside seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals as the Elasto Painters improved to 1-4. 

The Fuel Masters, however, absorbed their third loss in four games. 

The former Mapua standout immediately caught fire with 17 points at the half before veteran big man Beau Belga dropped 12 of his total output in the third, where they saw their lead balloon to 78-66. The 6-foot-5 bruiser ended up with a double-double effort of 21 points and 11 rebounds on top of three assists. 

Then it was Clarito who issued the finishing kick, burying nine straight points to fuel an 11-3 closing run that gave Rain or Shine a 100-83 cushion in the final 2:14 of the fourth.  

Clarito tallied 19 markers, five boards, three dimes, and one block. 

Ricci Rivero paced Phoenix with 16 points, including five consecutive points early in the fourth that cut their deficit to a single digit at 71-80, while RJ Jazul chipped in 11 markers. 

Scores:

Rain or Shine 100 – Nocum 28, Belga 21, Clarito 19, Santillan 8, Caracut 6, Belo 5, Mamuyac 4, Borboran 4, Norwood 3, Ildefonso 2, Asistio 0, Demusis 0.

Phoenix 85 – Rivero 16, Jazul 11, Tuffin 10, Verano 10, Manganti 7, Mocon 6, Alejandro 6, Muyang 5, Daves 4, Salado 3, Camacho 2, Lalata 0.

Quarters: 22-29, 47-41, 78-66, 100-85.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News