By Adrian Stewart Co

Gabe Norwood sparked Rain or Shine (RoS) Elasto Painters’ fourth quarter uprising as they defeated Terrafirma Dyip, 83-77, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Trailing by as much as 15 points in the opening half, the Painters started its uprising in the third period behind Rey Nambatac and Adrian Wong before taking the lead at 68-67 on two free throws by Norwood.

Norwood then drilled back-to-back three-pointers, while Mark Borboran also converted from outside and Javee Mocon nailed a basket inside as the Painters lead reached 79-67.

The Dyip made its last push behind Roosevelt Adams but a three-pointer by Wong gave the Painters its largest lead at 82-69 before Terrafirma came up with late baskets for the final score.

Norwood finished the match with 15 points, including three outside conversion, to go with seven rebounds as the Painters snapped its two-game losing skid to improve to 4-2 win-loss slate.

Nambatac spearheaded the offense with 17 points, with three three-point baskets, Wong added conference-high 15 points for the Painters, which were still without Negrense star James Yap.

Juan Miguel Tiongson tallied 20 points, Adams had double-double 13 points and 16 rebounds, while Negrense John Paul Calvo had 11 for the Dyip, which dropped to 0-4 slate.

On Saturday night, Meralco Bolts (4-1) notched its second consecutive win after taking down Alaska Aces (2-3), 89-80. Nard John Pinto top-scored for the Bolts with 16 points, while rookie Alvin Pasaol added 13, with 11 coming in the fourth quarter.

BOX SCORE:

RAIN OR SHINE 83 – Nambatac 17, Norwood 15, Wong 15, Borboran 9, Mocon 7, Santillan 6, Torres 6, Belga 4, Ponferrada 2, Caracut 2, Johnson 0, Guinto 0.

TERRAFIRMA 77 – Tiongson 20, Adams 13, Calvo 11, Gabayni 10, Batiller 10, Camson 7, Ramos 4, Cahilig 2, Laput 0.

Quarterscores: 21-27, 40-45, 61-65, 83-77./ASC, WDJ