Bol dazzles, Nocum decides: Rain or Shine steals win from TNT

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Adrian Nocum scored the clutch basket that gave Rain or Shine a 112-110 victory over TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday, March 20, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Nocum finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds, including a semi-hook shot over Bol Bol in the final seconds. TNT had one last chance to steal the game, but Bol Bol missed a potential three-pointer at the buzzer.

Rain or Shine played the final 6:20 without import Jaylen Johnson, who was ejected after an altercation with Glenn Khobuntin. Felix Lemetti drew a foul in the rebound play after Nocum’s shot but missed both free throws, intentionally bricking the second to run out the clock. The Elasto Painters held their composure despite being undermanned and executed key plays in the final stretch.

From ejections to near comebacks, this game had it all! Nocum’s final heroics over Bol Bol cap a thrilling PBA Commissioner’s Cup win for Rain or Shine. [photo credit: Peter Baltazar]

TNT built a 47-29 lead in the second quarter, forcing Rain or Shine to recover from a significant deficit. The team chipped away steadily, using disciplined offense and strong defensive rebounds. Head coach Yeng Guiao praised the resilience of his squad, highlighting the difficulty of guarding Bol Bol while missing Johnson in the closing minutes.

Rain or Shine holds off Bol Bol in debut showdown

Bol Bol had an impressive PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut, scoring 38 points, grabbing 16 rebounds, and blocking five shots. Despite his performance, he could not carry TNT to victory as Rain or Shine maintained disciplined defense. Bol Bol also endured physical play, including a late-game hit from Luis Villegas that left a cut on his cheek.

Calvin Oftana kept TNT within striking distance by hitting a four-pointer that cut the deficit to 109-110 with 30 seconds remaining. Adrian Nocum adjusted and elevated his shot over Bol Bol to secure the win for Rain or Shine. Jaylen Johnson contributed 33 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals before his ejection. Lemetti and Villegas added 13 points each while Gian Mamuyac and Jhonard Clarito provided key rebounds to maintain the team’s edge.

A late game scuffle involving Jaylen Johnson of Rain or Shine and Glen Khobuntin marred the PBA Commissioner's Cup first game match on Friday, March 20. [photo credit: Peter Baltazar] — A late game scuffle involving Jaylen Johnson of Rain or Shine and Glen Khobuntin marred the PBA Commissioner’s Cup first game match on Friday, March 20. [photo credit: Peter Baltazar]

Rain or Shine’s victory underscored their collective resilience and strategic execution. Bol Bol’s debut, while impressive statistically, was not enough to overcome Nocum’s clutch performance and the team’s disciplined finish.