Javee Mocon rebounded from a bad game with a team-high 19 points, including a split free throw in the last 13 seconds, propelling the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a 75-72 triumph over the Magnolia Hotshots.
The 6’2” Mocon’s freebie came off Calvin Abueva’s foul as it kept the Elasto Painters in contention for the playoffs on Friday in the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Mocon also finished with 5 rebounds to lead the Elasto Painters to their fifth win in nine games
“I had many bad games. Coach (Chris Gavina) told me to learn from my mistakes. It’s a collective effort. And we need badly to enter the playoffs,” said Mocon, who only had nine points when the Elasto Painters bowed to Barangay Ginebra in their previous game.
The Hotshots closed in at 72-74 after Andy Barroca’s basket with 54 ticks to go.
The Elasto Painters had a chance to stay out of range, but Norbert Torres bungled a triple.
In the return play, Paul Lee could have grabbed the lead for the Hotshots but his triple attempt missed.
Mocon then iced the game with his charity shot.
“Team confidence. A sense of panic is not in our culture. We have to face everything and rise,” said ROS coach Chris Gavina.
Leonard Santillan contributed 14 points apiece with James Yap, and his three-point play in the last 2:20 allowed ROS to keep its distance, 70-65.
Ian Sangalang powered the Hotshots with 21 points, while Abueva added 12 points and 13 rebounds.