WATCH: Scottie Thompson Highlights [Brgy. Ginebra vs Rain or Shine | October 27, 2020]
Brgy. Ginebra almost had win number 5 wrapped up until Rain or Shine guard Rey Nambatac took matters into his own hands and drained a game-tying triple to send the game into overtime. Beau Belga then took charge in the extra period as the Elasto Painters escaped with a 85-82 victory Tuesday night in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup restart at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Angeles City, Pampanga.
With time down to 6.3 seconds in regulation period and the Gin Kings holding a precarious 3-point lead, 79-76, the third-year pro found enough space against defender Aljon Mariano and unleashed a desperation trey which found nothing but the bottom of the net. Gabe Norwood then intercepted an inbound pass by Stanley Pringle to force overtime.
The 33-year old Belga scored 5 of his 20 points in the extra period while Jewel Ponferrada’s floater with 5.3 ticks left sealed the deal for the Elasto Painters.
“Like I said from the beginning, Rey is a different type of player. He is going to be the future of the PBA. He will be a superstar eventually. He likes that position that he takes those shots,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.
“It’s not only him that we are looking at. Every other player stepped up today. Beau being the leader of the team, this is probably the best game I’ve seen him play,” he added.
Scottie Thompson paced the Gin Kings with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks while Stanley Pringle and Japeth Aguilar added 20 and 13 markers, respectively. The three, however, accounted for 15 of team’s 22 turnovers which was a big factor in the team’s 2nd straight loss.
Brgy. Ginebra will have two days to regroup before taking on defending champion San Miguel on Friday, October 30 at the same venue.
