Rain or Shine survives Meralco in OT thriller to open PBA Philippine Cup campaign

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Rain or Shine showed grit and resilience, rallying late to force overtime before holding off Meralco, 96-95, in a heart-stopping PBA Philippine Cup clash Saturday, October 11, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

The Elasto Painters wiped out a late deficit with a 10-1 closing run in regulation, capped by Gabe Norwood’s clutch tip-in that forced the extra period. In overtime, they struck early and never relinquished control, clinching a triumphant season debut while handing the Bolts their second straight loss.

Caelan Tiongson sparks a late rally as Rain or Shine escapes Meralco in a nail-biter. [PBA Images]

Tiongson sparks comeback as Norwood forces extra period

Caelan Tiongson keyed Rain or Shine’s late surge, drilling a surprise four-point play that brought the team within 88-89 with 17 seconds remaining. Chris Newsome split his free throws to give Meralco a two-point cushion, leaving the door open.

Adrian Nocum missed two potential game-tying jumpers, but Norwood was perfectly positioned on the second attempt, tipping the ball in to tie the score at 90-all and send the game to overtime.

In the extra session, Mike Malonzo and Andrei Caracut opened with consecutive baskets to set the tone. Meralco tried to rally, but Rain or Shine held firm down the stretch to complete the comeback.

Balanced attack powers Rain or Shine past Bolts

Tiongson delivered a double-double to open his sophomore campaign, finishing with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Norwood, Keith Datu, Nocum, and Caracut each chipped in at least 10 points in a well-balanced effort for coach Yeng Guiao’s squad. Newly acquired Stanley Pringle did not play.

Bong Quinto and CJ Cansino led Meralco with 18 points each, while Newsome and Raymond Almazan added 12 apiece. However, the Bolts’ 18-of-30 free throw shooting proved costly, as did their inability to protect an 11-point lead after a 37-20 third-quarter surge.

Rain or Shine led 50-44 at halftime before Meralco stormed ahead in the third. But the Elasto Painters’ poise down the stretch allowed them to turn what looked like a lost game into a season-opening statement win in the PBA Philippine Cup.