Adrian Nocum erupted for a career-high 31 points – none bigger than the clutch layup in traffic late to lift Rain or Shine past Magnolia, 98-97, and stretch their winning run to three in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, July 31.

With the Elasto Painters trailing 96-97 and usual scorers Aaron Fuller and Caelan Tiongson limited by the Hotshots defense, Nocum drove hard against three defenders, showing enough composure to get the ball up and make it with 5.6 seconds left.

Rain or Shine then held on to its defense in the final possession as Fuller and Luis Villegas did just enough to bother and force Magnolia import KJ Buffen to miss the final shot.

With the win, ROS not only stretched its winning run to three for a 3-2 slate at the end of the first round of the eliminations but also kept Magnolia’s number by winning their six straight meetings.

Nocum, after dishing out career-high 10 assists in the last game, was more aggressive on the offense this time around shooting a high 11-of-16 clip while also collaring nine rebounds and issuing four assists.

Deo Cuajao added 15 points built on three triples while Fuller despite shooting 5-of-19 clip still posted a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Villegas, on other hand, had 12 and seven.

Buffen paced Magnolia with 31 points but was held scoreless in the final frame. Zav Lucero added 15 and Ian Sangalang had 12 but the Hotshots still fell to a 1-3 record at the bottom of the Group B standings.