Rey Nambatac nailed two pressure-packed free throws with one second left to lift Rain or Shine past Northport, 70-68, on Sunday and stay unbeaten in three games in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Pampanga.
Tied at 68-all after Christian Standhardinger’s fall away basket with 3.3 seconds to go, Nambatac—after a time out—drove to the basket and drew a foul from Paolo Taha leaving one second in the game clock.
He calmly sank the charities to give the Elasto Painters the victory.
“It was an ugly game for us. I wanted a better game from us, better production from everybody,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, who drew 15 points from rookie Adrian Wong.
Sean Manganti threw a desperate heave at the buzzer and the Batang Pier lost for the third straight game in the bubble.
The Elasto Painters are now tied with TNT Tropang Giga on top of the standings with 3-0 win-loss records.
Sydney Onwubere had 11 points, while Nambatac contributed 10 points with six rebounds and six assists.
Sean Anthony, Garvo Lanete and Standhardinger finished with 13 points each for the Batang Pier.
Northport rallied from five points down to tie the game at 68-all behind Anthony, Kelly Nabong and Standhardinger.
Scores:
Rain or Shine 70 – Wong 15, Onwubere 11, Nambatac 10, Mocon 6, Doliguez 6, Yap 5, Torres 5, Belga 5, Arana 3, Norwood 2, Ponferada 2, Rivero 0, Rosales 0, Borboran 0.
NorthPort 68 – Anthony 13, Lanete 13, Standhardinger 13, Nabong 10, Revilla 7, Taha 4, Manganti 3, Cruz 3, Elorde 2, Subido 0, Guinto 0.
Quarters: 14-25; 32-38; 46-40; 70-68.