Gabe Norwood’s Late-Game Spark Keeps Rain or Shine Alive
The PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup delivered a dramatic moment that could potentially alter a veteran’s plans. In a hard-fought 96-95 overtime victory over Meralco, Rain or Shine relied on the steady presence of Gabe Norwood as the defending captain battled through 40 minutes of intense motion and physical basketball. Norwood finished with 11 points, three rebounds, and a steal, but more importantly, he gave the Elasto Painters a critical scoring push in the final minutes of regulation that kept their hopes alive.
Norwood’s contribution wasn’t just the points. It was the leadership and experience that kept Rain or Shine calm in crunch time, a trait coach Yeng Guiao emphasized after the game. “Gabe played a really good game today, on both offense and defense. He put in those crucial two points to tie,” Guiao said during the post-game press conference at the Ynares Center in Montalban. The veteran guard’s ability to make decisive plays kept Rain or Shine within reach as Meralco mounted a late charge.
Guiao Hints at a Possible Change of Mind
With Norwood having announced his impending retirement at the end of the conference, Guiao’s remarks carried extra weight. The Rain or Shine mentor offered a hopeful note that the 40-year-old could re-evaluate his decision after such a showing. “I’m not sure. He’ll probably change his mind; he’ll probably play another conference. Puwede namang magpalit ng isip, eh,” Guiao said with a smile. “Or another year, I don’t know. Gabe’s playing well. He’s still a really important part of the team. We could not have won this game without Gabe.”
Norwood’s perseverance has been a constant theme throughout his lengthy career. Though the headline-grabbing moments often belong to younger stars, Guiao’s praise underscored the intangible value Norwood provides—veteran smarts, late-game reliability, and a steadying influence that can steer a team through tight quarters.
The Night’s Standout: Caelan Tiongson Steals the Spotlight
While Norwood’s late heroics shaped the outcome, Caelan Tiongson emerged as the game’s Player of the Game, posting a line of 23 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Tiongson’s memorable four-point hail mary at the end of regulation cut Meralco’s lead and sparked Rain or Shine’s rally that carried into overtime. He followed with a key basket in the extra period, helping to establish a slim edge that the Bolts could not overcome.
Keith Datu added 11 points and seven boards for Rain or Shine, with Nocum and Andre Caracut contributing 10 apiece. On the Meralco side, Bong Quinto anchored the effort with 18 points and 10 rebounds, and CJ Cansino had an 18-point, 8-rebound night. Chris Newsome contributed 12 points, but the finishing touches eluded Meralco in the clutch minutes of the game.
Why This Win Matters for Rain or Shine
Beyond the immediate scoreboard, the win underscores Rain or Shine’s resilience and the underappreciated value of veterans like Norwood. Guiao’s comments suggest a potential reshaping of the team’s near-term plans, should Norwood decide to keep playing. A veteran leader who can still contribute in crucial moments may be exactly what Rain or Shine needs as they navigate a tough conference slate and aim for a deeper postseason run.
For Norwood, there’s a choice to be made about his playing future, but Guiao’s optimism is clear: The guard remains a significant asset on the floor, and his presence on the court continues to impact games in measurable and intangible ways. Whether Norwood’s retirement becomes a temporary intermission or a permanent end remains to be seen, but the veteran’s fight on Saturday night proved he still has plenty left in the tank.
Looking Ahead
As Rain or Shine soaks in the victory and contemplates the implications of Guiao’s remarks, fans and analysts will watch closely to see whether Norwood chooses to extend his career beyond this conference. The team’s rhythm, leadership, and late-game poise suggest that even if retirement becomes a pause rather than a final act, Rain or Shine can keep competing at a high level in a league known for its depth of veteran talent.
Related read: PBA Lifers: Legends who played for a single team their entire career
