Rain or Shine guard Adrian Nocum during Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—The PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals were robbed of a riveting point guard battle between TNT’s Jayson Castro and Rain or Shine rising star Adrian Nocum.
Before Game 3 of the semis, where the Elasto Painters outlasted the Tropang Giga, 103-98, Castro was ruled out for the season due to a right patellar tendon tear he sustained last Friday.
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Nocum had his moments against Castro for two games and he took those experiences to propel the Painters into the win column of the best-of-seven series.
READ: PBA: Rain or Shine cuts into TNT semifinals lead with Game 3 win
“Coach (Yeng Guiao) always tells us that he’s a real point guard. I saw that he can pass and create. I learned a lot from him and it just feels good to go up against someone like that,” said Nocum at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
“Jayson’s our model. I always tell them to watch how he plays,” added Guiao.
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Nocum capitalized not having to deal with one of the league’s best point guards and finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists to give Rain or Shine its first win of the series at 2-1.
READ: PBA: Adrian Nocum overwhelmed by praises from Jayson Castro, Chot
While the Elasto Painters sent their well wishes to Castro on the veteran guard’s road to recovery, Nocum admitted that his absence was a big blow to TNT.
“It’s big for us that Kuya Jayson is gone because he’s just such a steady point guard. Whenever he comes in, he can really contribute,” said Nocum.
Rain or Shine looks to level the series on Wednesday at the same venue for Game 4.
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