Beau Belga comes up clutch in Rain or Shine win

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The Rain or Shine Elastopainters and the Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel engaged in one of the most tightly-contested dog-fights in the PBA bubble.

With his team relying on him to deliver, veteran enforcer Beau Belga came up clutch to help the Elastopainters edge Ginebra in a thrilling overtime classic, 85-82.

It was a see-saw affair throughout the game as both teams tried to outplay each other in every possession.

James Yap turned back the hands of time after converting several of his signature one-handed floaters, helping the Elastopainters’ push for a bounce-back win after dropping their last game against the Alaska Aces.

However, Scottie Thompson and Stanley Pringle answered every Rain or Shine basket to help them stay within reach.

With 6 seconds left in the last quarter and the Elastopainters down by 3, 73-76, Rey Nambatac was again the hero after draining the game-tying triple that sent the game into overtime.

The extra five minutes of regulation proved to be a clinic for the veteran Belga after taking matters in his own hands.

Deadlocked at 78, Belga went-off and unleashed his own 5-0 run to put Rain or Shine up 83-78 with 1:29 remaining.

Needing a quick basket, Ginebra’s Pringle darted to the cup and converted a layup to cut the deficit to 3, 83-80.

In the next possession, Jewel Ponferada was able to sink the game-clinching layup to ensure Rain or Shine’s victory.