MANILA – Beau Belga continued his stellar run for Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as they scored a 115-105 victory over NorthPort Batang Pier in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
The former Philippine Christian University Dolphins center finished with a career-high of 28 points to g with 12 rebounds and seven assists to lead the way for the Painters.
Belga credited the trust of Painters head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao on him for his stretch of strong performances in their five-game winning streak.
“’Yung kumpiyansa ni coach sa akin (ay nakatulong sa maganda kong laro),” Belga said. “Everytime I suggest something pinapakinggan naman niya ako and nag-a-adjust naman siya.”
Guiao, for his part, also commended Belga for stepping up for the Painters, which is short in their frontline following injuries to their rookie centers Keith Datu and Luis Villegas.
“Natutuwa kami na consistent si Beau kasi kailangan nya mag-double time kasi kulang kami sa mga bigs,” Guiao said. “Kundisyon naman siya kaya madaming paghuhugutan.”
Jhonard Clarito added 17 markers, Adrian Nocum finished with 16 points, and Mark Borboran contributed 12 points for the Painters (5-4), which led by as much as 22 points before holding off the Batang Pier.
“I think this win is because we have a good start,” Guiao said. “Nakakabawi sila (Batang Pier) pero nagawa namin ng paraan para ma-maintain ‘yun lead.”
“’Yung mga guards namin maganda rin ang nilaro. Nakita din namin sa game na ito na pwede pala kami makisabayan dun sa takbuhan,” he added. “If not for good start makikipagkayuran kami sa dulo.”
Zavier Lucero tallied a career-high of 29 points, Allyn Bulanadi added 26 markers, while Kris Rosales and Arvin Tolentino ended with 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Batang Pier (4-4)./PN
BOX SCORE:
RAIN OR SHINE 115 – Belga 28, Clarito 17, Nocum 16, Borboran 12, Caracut 8, Asistio 7, Mamuyac 6, Santillan 5, Ildefonso 5, Belo 5, Demusis 4, Paredes 2.
NORTHPORT 105 – Lucero 29, Bulanadi 26, Rosales 12, Tolentino 11, Flores 9, Amores 8, Munzon 6, Navarro 4, Paraiso 0, Yu 0, Zamar 0, Cuntapay 0, Adamos 0.
Quarterscores: 24-14, 48-38, 81-72, 115-105.
