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ROS opens PBA 46th with close win over NLEX

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno

July 16, 2021, 8:09 pm

<p>Rain Or Shine's Beau Belga; 17 points, 7 rebounds <em>(Photo courtesy of PBA Images)</em></p>

Rain Or Shine's Beau Belga; 17 points, 7 rebounds (Photo courtesy of PBA Images)

MANILA – Rain Or Shine welcomed comebacking coach Chris Gavina with an 83-82 squeaker over NLEX at the start of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 46th season at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Friday.

Behind a 31-point third quarter, ROS took a 68-62 lead entering the fourth and was up by four, 83-79, with 56 seconds left.

Kiefer Ravena buried a long three-pointer with 19.1 seconds left that moved NLEX to within, 83-82, but that would be the final score.

He stole possession from Gabe Norwood off a pressure defense at the right corner but Anthony Semerad missed his double-pump mid-range try over Javee Mocon's outstretched arms as time expired.

Rey Nambatac tallied 19 points, eight rebounds, and two assists to lead the Elasto Painters while Beau Belga added 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

Suiting up for the Road Warriors after the PBA disapproved his stint with Shiga Lakestars of Japan’s B. League, Ravena put up a game-high 23 points on top of four rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

Gavina last handled Kia (now Terrafirma) in the 2018 Philippine Cup. He took over Caloy Garcia, who is now the head of ROS basketball operations. (PNA)

 

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